Desert Foothills Landscape Project

Located on Camelback Mountain, the iconic Praying Monk rock formation stands as a quiet reminder of the spirituality of the vast Sonoran Desert. Its aura has drawn generations of climbers and hikers to experience its almost mystical presence. Sensing this energy, our clients were drawn to build their home directly under the watchful gaze of this protective figure.

This remarkable hillside residence seamlessly integrates an array of materials to create an exterior that is both striking and harmonious. Desert Foothills Landscape was called upon to create a landscape plan using these same attributes as well as paying homage to the site’s location in full view of the Praying Monk. The landscape needed to be distinctive but quiet, unique but respectful of the home’s special surroundings.

Creating small visual plateaus was essential to softening the look of the steep slope. Acid-etched concrete steps, gently descending nearly 50 feet below the entrance, provide a graceful path to the street below. Custom-designed steel planter boxes meticulously welded and finished on-site offer welcomed breaks while complementing the home’s unpretentious roof lines and distinctive garage lintel. Flanking the stairs, these planters are filled with a carefully curated selection of White Agave, Golden Barrel Cactus, and vibrant Penstemon from our private nurseries adding both texture and color to the landscape.

A mature Ironwood tree serves as a sculptural anchor, subtly dividing the front entrance from the driveway. Beneath an architectural opening in the roof, a black mosaic water fountain radiates a sense of Zen tranquility, offering a serene welcome at the front door.

Panels of one-inch steel tubing supported by steel mesh elegantly delineate the front porch from the side bar and patio areas. These panels extend across the top of the nine-foot retaining wall, providing an artistic backdrop to a lush hedge of Hopseed Bush and Bougainvillea designed to preserve privacy while simultaneously framing the breathtaking views that define this exceptional home.

Builder: GM Hunt Builders
Photo Credit: Brian Goddard