descriptions
architectural details
From Drewett Works Architecture:
Offering some of the most befitting views for a desert home, Hummingbird House is an innovative mix of visionary design and unparalleled luxury set on a unique hillside property in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
The design of Hummingbird House was a direct response to its sloped lot and rugged setting, where distant views of the McDowell Mountains are just as exceptional as the proximity to Mummy Mountain. Defined by its organic, modernist desert architecture and bespoke interiors, the 8,313-square-foot, three-bedroom residence presents itself as a collection of destinations - each space specifically sited based on the site’s topography.
The custom residence, which includes a 1,008-square-foot attached guest casita, unfolds over two levels where fenestrations dominate and indoor/outdoor living is emphasized. Edge-cut travertine walls, European milled oak floors, and plaster walls intended for artwork keep the material palette minimal while allowing the views and art to become the primary focus.
Multiple courtyards, patios, gardens and water features, along with beautifully revegetated grounds, enhance the living experience and underscore the carefully curated layout of the residence. The eat-in kitchen is complemented by a breakfast bar, and paired with a glassed-in dining room that serves as a true destination spot, evoking a sense of floating in the desert at night. A striking pool terrace, a level above the ground floor, bridges the main house and lower-level casita, which features a stunning rooftop view deck.
Hummingbird House was designed for luxury and includes a Molteni kitchen, wine room, theater, and an 11-car garage that can be transformed into an event space. For the ultimate in relaxation, the primary bathroom opens to a private patio featuring a spa, and two outdoor showers. Below is the wellness center with a gym, steam shower, cold plunge, infrared sauna and refreshment bar.
With its staggered rooflines, lofty ceilings, clerestory windows and vast spaces, Hummingbird House is striking in its regionally inspired design and architectural artistry.
LANDSCAPING dETAILS
FROM GREEY PICKETT:
Nestled into the hillside, this thoughtfully designed retreat embraces the natural contours of the land. The driveway features a geometric layout, where the joints serve not only as a refined design element but also as functional drainage channels. In a clever departure from traditional riprap swales, stormwater is directed through these joints and subtly reintroduced into the surrounding landscape.
Landscape flows around a sculpted drainageway, with site walls and hardscape elements that mirror the home's architecture. Native boulders rise organically from the slope, grounding the space in its natural surroundings. The planting palette is composed of native and desert-adapted species, chosen not only for their resilience and low water use, but also for their ability to celebrate the rugged beauty of the desert. These plants blend seamlessly into the environment, feeling both curated and wild.
At the main level, a striking negative-edge pool captures panoramic views, accompanied by an invisible edge spa perched on its edge - perfect for soaking in the scenery. Just beyond, a tranquil pea gravel court features a firepit and lounge deck for gatherings. On the lower level, a versatile pickleball court transforms into a venue for events or car displays.
Tucked away, the master patio offers a serene spa garden with a private outdoor shower and secluded hot tub—your own sanctuary amid the hillside.