Urban Bike
February 23rd, 2009 categories: Architecture, City Cycling, Local Color
Over at Phoenix Market Trends we’ve been knocking away post left and right. Purposeful to our motive for REC was exploration of Phoenix, especially urban Phoenix: the central core: Downtown and Midtown Phoenix.
Urban Bike is the series through which this is being accomplished. Some recent posts in the URBAN Bike series include:
Urban Bike: an adventure though some midcentury modern neighborhoods in Phoenix.
Urban Bike: on the Phoenix light rail.
Urban Bike: Willo Neighborhood Home Tour.
Urban Bike: Artisan Break Run.
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Contemporary Home close to Phoenix Mountain Preserve
July 11th, 2008 categories: Architecture, Homes Worth Buying
Humane scale, lots of light and ongoing interaction with the outdoors, thanks to walls of glass on the first level. Every room offers something exciting. Upon entering we see an open space that can serve as a family room, dining room. Kitchen in the background. I am thinking: Paul Rudolph’s Casey Key home in Florida. And I don’t think this association is too far.
The builder’s representative, Cortney Smith, answered a couple of questions for us:
J: Cortney, Can you tell me about the builder, how did it happen that the company started to build contemporary homes?
C: Identity Construction designs and builds residential contemporary and modern architecture. Our architectural background allows us to collaborate with field conditions in order to achieve the finest design. We manage the entire project with respect to finishes, specialty consultants, budget and schedule. Through this collaboration we strive to produce architecture that is unique and a final product that is beyond expectations of the client.
J: Who orders the homes and where else are located those, that have been built?
C: Though the company as been incorporated since 2004, only a few select contemporary homes have been successful built. There locations include Phoenix, Rio Verde, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. Most of the business is generated through word of mouth, as their philosophy is the greatest recognition is a successful project. Jason Smith has a background in various building styles, contemporary and modern being his favorite. Clientele ranges, most of them want them to be unique and want their home to be like an original piece of art.
J: What are the most unique features and solutions that you think are the most important about this home?
C: The project on 27th Street was designed around a floating living box set upon a central living that is anchored by concrete mass. The u-shaped masses spoon private places while the store font glazing flood the living with natural light. The cantilevered upper portions of the structure provide protection from the sun in the living area’s as well as insulating the 1600 sq ft. The upper steel portion of the home holds the three bedrooms and was juxtaposed with minimal glazing and increased insulation to buffer the lower section.
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Large lot with lap pool, spa and inground tampoline. A garage -located in a separate building has a garage door on both sides, which allows to drive in to the backyard, if needed. Three bedrooms plus a den/office. Wood floors and tile throughout. Large master bath.
This exceptional home can be yours. It is offered for sale at $799,000 ” Get more information about it, including more pictures and full details.
Related Links:
See more about this neighborhood and search for homes there.
Search for homes by Map in Greater Phoenix.
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Lofty Art in Downtown Phoenix
June 29th, 2008 categories: Architecture, Downtown Phoenix
This is the ceiling in the hallways of Orpheum Lofts, one of few true lofts in Phoenix. To some this is unsightly and just a bundle of pipes and signs.
I see it as craftsmanship; almost as art. Perfectly formed and aligned, the pipes, concrete and ties add visual appeal and value to the experience in the buildings. Its not a contrast but more a complement to the Art Deco pedigree of the building. This is much better looking then those horrific truly outdated and simply unattractive square ceiling tiles you see in many buildings, one of which was Tapestry on Central a newer, very nice building also on the Light rail. These pipes extend from the hallways to the interior units and sometimes run down bedroom wall and all perfectly in place. I love this building, not all the units, of course but most of them and i love to see craftsmanship which this building has plenty of.
Take a look at lofts for sale or lease in Orpheum Lofts in Downtown Phoenix
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Old Rural House in Downtown Phoenix
June 7th, 2008 categories: Architecture, City Cycling, Local Color
If you didn’t see that office building in the back it would be hard to place this house. In fact its still hard to place it. It could be anywhere, but its not. Its and old home which looks to be built out of adobe; something from the 19th century or early 20th century.
It’s not any specific style, it does not fit anywhere in the historic styles found in Phoenix; it’s unlike any I’v seen here. Adobe built with hints of scandinavian design and southwestern elements. Located in Downtown Phoenix of all places surrounded by offices and maybe one handlful of houses in the area.
I can see this place as small tavern, a local type restaurant, I see lots of potential and reason to keep it right where it is and in this condition more or less; with only the mechnicals, the presevation and cleanliness improved. This could be a magnificent place, its already beautiful. Do you know anything about it? Let me know if you do.
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Are Smaller Houses Becoming More Popular in Phoenix?
May 12th, 2008 categories: Architecture, Market Trends
The houses of the future will be smaller. 60% of buyers surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders would prefer to have a smaller house but with more features.
So far this does not seem to be a trend in Phoenix as the average home square footage has been steadily growing. It was 1700 median square feet in early 2007 and its 1800 in 2008.
There are more people looking for quality vs. quantity, a good layout vs many rooms and access to entertainment without having to drive too much.
I hope this trends comes into its own. The building of smaller more efficient homes would use less energy and be easier to maintain not to mention less material to build.
Often is more about layout, use of space and quality of space then quantity of space that determines the quality of life in a house of apartment.
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Tempe Condos: From Boring to Enticing
April 28th, 2008 categories: Architecture, Phoenix real estate
I visited, recently, a few luxury condo projects in Tempe. It is fascinating to see how much better a product is offered by those who have a Vision.
First project: which name i won’t mention- they speak about exceptional attention to detail, but it is disappointing- they lack it- or rather there are no details you could pay attention to. 
The models are a proof that the builder “knew better” and apparently did not hire an interior consultant. The result is a boring place and the only luxury is the price, and views maybe, if you are high enough, which pumps up the price, surely.
Second project: Bridgeview by IBI/HB Architects
Excellence- both inside and outside.
What a pleasure it is to see a more adventurous approach to such important places like kitchens and baths. If the old marriage of a low grade, plain granite counters with cherry or knotty alder cabinets gives you goosebumps, this is a place to go! Many models have high gloss, lacquered cabinets with great choices of granite, you will see more ceramic tile, mosaic tile in the baths and much more. Irregularly shaped rooms remind me of the famous Crystal Point, the valley’s first high rise; they are large and easy to plan.
In addition to amenities that are common in high rises, here you also can enjoy a zen garden, a library with a fireplace, and a putting green. There is a wide price rage from $700’s for 1,168 sf condo to $5 M for close to 5,000 sf two level penthouse with 2 beautiful staircases in both wings. (finishes to be chosen by buyer)
Third project: Centerpoint by Avenue communities- there is so much about it! You have to visit the place- the concept is exactly what we need in the valley. The whole idea here is about well being, people, creating a community where it is easy to connect. From an utterly unique 23,000 sf backyard located on the 7th floor, thru 6,500 sf market, cafe ,grocery; Trattoria M with chef Michael of Michael’s at the Citadel; to PurVine-novel educational venture where you will be able to learn the art of wine making, produce your wine – this place of 800 homes will become a true landmark not only for Tempe.
Intrigued?
Call me for a private tour. Joanna 602-358-1392
View Homes and Condos for Sale in Tempe at SearchValleyHomes.com
PhoenixTrends.com to see what’s selling and active in your neighborhood.
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