Living in Tucson prior to my move to Hawaii, I had an ongoing consulting relationship with Architecture One of Tucson. Knowing I couldn’t afford real estate in Hawaii, I purchased the house on Blanton Drive in 1997 as an investment. Eventually, I relocated to Tucson and inhabited the house, providing a convenient base of operations for my mainland commissions. After three years of residency, I initiated a major addition and renovation to triple the house’s size to 700 square feet, creating a live-work space tailored to my needs.

With a deep understanding of how architecture should reflect its inhabitants’ lifestyle, I approached the project mindful of its context and the region’s craft. The addition maximizes usable space and shields from harsh sun, with a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces, anchored by a central summer kitchen.

Inspired by the elongated Dog Trot style, the addition’s layout prioritizes natural light, with fenestration oriented north and south. Acting as the general contractor due to limited funds, I collaborated with skilled artisans, including sculptor Brian Horton, to craft custom fenestration, including the pivotal summer kitchen doors, facilitating spatial flow.

Utilizing rough-sawn planks from old-growth Ponderosa Pine trees sourced from a local lumber mill near the Gila National Forest, the ceiling and eastern wall exude a rustic charm. Close collaboration and resourcefulness enabled us to complete 1400 square feet of architecture for under $100,000, a testament to our efficient design-build approach.