Roncaglia Residence
Sedona, AZ

This modern and rustic residence is situated on 2 acres that transitions from forested hillside to grazing meadow. The 2600 SF home wraps around an entry courtyard, providing a sense of protection for a large outdoor living and dining area that is a world apart. A stream flowing from a well with a steel pump-head and ranch barbeque fireplace provide the essential elements. The main living space is separate from the attached guest casita.

The design is a collection of traditional building shapes creating a modern Arizona ranch with a combination of shed and gable roofs. These roofs are covered in both rusting metal and gray-green shingles. Patios and decks are located at all building exposures, providing a place to enjoy Arizona’s climate during all seasons.

Quarried red rock interspersed with river rock is the same as the surface rock covering the natural landscape and nearby Oak Creek. The stucco color reflects the variety of surrounding greenery. The rusting steel roof trim and siding, along with the natural juniper and cedar doors and gates, complete the organic integration into the landscape.

Interior rooms and finishes continue the flow from the outside. The living room’s stone fireplace wraps from the exterior and draws the eye up to the towering wood ceiling. Naturally shaped juniper slabs and logs continue from the entry door to mantles, display shelves and bath counters.

The kitchen is both old and new design and precisely detailed. The hickory cabinets are topped with granite and marble. Open shelving, glass door cabinets, wood ceilings and wrap-around windows overlook the big cliff views and porch. Appliances are bronzed steel.

The master bedroom transitions from the smooth rustic finishes in the main living areas to a more airy, zen feel in the master bath.

The spacious master bath is composed as an impression of the nearby Oak Creek on a warm summer day. The free-form tub is like a summer monsoon cloud. It is filled from a free-fall spout flowing from a flying timber like a downpour. The green glass counter tops signify the creek's still ponds. Red sandstone shelves, beige sand colored floor and wall tiles, a washed-pebble shower floor and natural fir and pine walls and cabinets all recall all the natural elements of the creekside. The large windows allow views to the green trees, red hills, sun and sky.

Sustainable design features include roof water collection for both a cistern for irrigation and to enhance the subdivision’s historic irrigation ditch and pond, a minimal footprint and floor area, ample storage space for a primary residence and durable, minimum maintenance materials.