Photographer: Francesca Giovanelli

Nestled perfectly along a mountainside in the North Scottsdale Estancia Community, with views of Pinnacle Peak, and the Valley below, this landscape design honors the surrounding desert and the contemporary architecture of the home. A meandering driveway ascends the hillside to an auto court area where we placed mature cactus and yucca specimens. In the back, terracing was used to create interest and support from the intense hillside. We brought in mass boulders to retain the slope, while adding to the existing terrain. A succulent garden was placed in the terraced hillside using unique and rare species to enhance the surrounding native desert. A vertical fence of well casing rods was installed to preserve the view, while still securing the property. An infinity edge, glass tile pool is the perfect extension of the contemporary home. Project Details: Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Architect: Drewett Works Contractor: Manship Builders Interior Designer: David Michael Miller Associates Photography: Dino Tonn

The outdoor living area utilizes bold radial lines to offer a sense of unobstructed openness along the panoramic riverside views. Special consideration was given to the design and engineering of the outdoor space to allow a massive 60-foot span between columns, resulting in an unparalleled view. Playful geometric shapes speak to an easy livability that belie the bold and glamorous design. The second floor deck provides seamless access from the guest bedrooms, office and exercise rooms. The use of glass railing and zero-edge doors carefully preserve the view. A Grand ARDA for Outdoor Living Design goes to RG Designs and K2 Design Group Designers: Richard Guzman with Jenny Provost From: Bonita Springs, Florida

Bradford’s Classic Collection of residential stainless steel spas arrive from our facility with all appropriate equipment. We provide frame-mounted equipment within the stainless steel frame or remote equipment

Credit to our corporate office for this beautiful outdoor living space. Amazing lighting both at the house as well as around the pool area.

Gibeon Photography

Patio and pool area utilizing the indoor/outdoor stacked stone columns, copper and expansive views. Photo by Mark Boisclair 2012 Gold Nugget Award of Merit (5,000-10,000 square feet)

Given a challenging lot configuration and topography, along with privacy issues, we had to get creative in designing this home. The home is divided into four basic living zones: private owner’s suite, informal living area, kids area upstairs, and a flexible guest entertaining area. The entry is unique in that it takes you directly through to the outdoor living area, and also provides separation of the owners’ private suite from the rest of the home. There are no formal living or dining areas; instead the breakfast and family rooms were enlarged to entertain more comfortably in an informal manner. One great feature of the detached casita is that it has a lower activity area, which helps the house connect to the property below. This contemporary haven in Barton Creek is a beautiful example of a chic and elegant design that creates a very practical and informal space for living.

Stephen Brooke

Jim Schmid