Kirk Bianchi created this resort like setting for a couple from Mexico City. They were looking for a contemporary twist on traditional themes, and Luis Barragán was the inspiration. The outer walls were painted a darker color to recede, while floating panels of color and varying heights provided sculptural interest and opportunities for lighting and shadow.

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Arcadia Custom Home

Creative Concrete and Masonry

Modern custom home nestled in quiet Arcadia neighborhood. The expansive glass window wall has stunning views of Camelback Mountain and natural light helps keep energy usage to a minimum. CIP concrete walls also help to reduce the homes carbon footprint while keeping a beautiful, architecturally pleasing finished look to both inside and outside. The artfully blended look of metal, concrete, block and glass bring a natural, raw product to life in both visual and functional way

desert back yard

Link Architecture, PC

This back yard was a blank slate behind a 2-year-old North Scottsdale home. The new site walls, angular pool, vertical plants create structure. The shade sail with battered posts creates much-needed shade and the steel fire pit is a fun gathering spot at night.

Hardy Group Builders

Bob Hooks

Palo Alto Contemporary Retreat

Boxleaf Design, Inc.

Meg Messina Photography

Cooper House

Sam Crawford Architects

My Houzz: A Basketball Court, a Rooftop Kitchen and More in Manhattan

Adrienne DeRosa

The addition of the kitchenette on the rooftop transformed the patio into a fully-functioning entertainment space. The retractable awning provides shade on the hottest days, or it can be opened up to party under the stars. Welcoming guests into their home is a way of life for the Novogratzes, and in turn was the primary focus of this renovation. "We like to have a lot people over on the day-to-day as well as holiday family gatherings and parties with our friends", Cortney explains. With both Robert and Cortney hailing from the South; Virginia and Georgia respectively, the couple have it in their blood to open their home those around them. "We always believe that the most important thing in your home is those you share it with", she says, "so we love to keep up our southern hospitality and are constantly welcoming guests into our home." Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Complete Remodel with Rooftop Deck

Strobel Design Build

City living can lead to creativity, like this complete remodel that also included a rooftop patio. A NARI Contractor of the Year award winner, this contemporary design relies heavily on straight lines and metallic accents.