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Camelback Casita

A Desert Retreat Rooted in Family and Place

Client

Cal and Virginia Holman

Location

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Size

1,055 sq ft

Expertise

Dwelling, Reinvention

Delivery Method

CMAR

Project Team

Set against the backdrop of Phoenix’s iconic Camelback Mountain, this small but deeply considered addition transforms a private residence into a multigenerational retreat—one that celebrates family, desert living, and connection to place. What began as a practical need to accommodate an aging parent evolved into a sculptural extension of the existing home, gracefully navigating topography while reimagining the arrival sequence, reinforcing privacy, and amplifying the mountain’s presence in daily life.

Camelback Casita structure emerging from behind palo verde trees
outdoor seating area at Camelback Casita
balcony and view of Camelback Mountain from Camelback Casita

The 570-square-foot casita is modest in size but generous in experience. Its flexible plan allows the main living space to transform into a bedroom via a custom retractable bed seamlessly integrated into white oak millwork. Strategic glazing frames uninterrupted views of Camelback Mountain, anchoring the interior with a powerful sense of place. A perforated rusted steel screen wraps the western façade, shielding the building from glare while casting shifting shadows that animate the carport arrival and adjacent patio with a rhythm akin to filtered desert light.

Camelback Casita prior to renovation by Jones StudioRendering of Camelback Casita with renovation by Jones Studio
Second view Camelback Casita prior to renovation by Jones StudioSecond view Camelback Casita rendering of future renovation by Jones Studio
Site plan for Camelback Casita
living room of Camelback Casita with view out the window of Camelback Mountain
Weathering steel on exterior of Camelback Casita
restroom showcasing materials utilized in Camelback Casita

Durable and elemental materials—weathering steel, integral-colored charcoal-toned mortar wash over masonry, custom steel window frames, and warm oak—speak to the desert’s palette and permanence. Every material was selected not only for its performance and longevity, but for the way it weathers with beauty and restraint. A steel pipe channels all roof runoff into a native rain garden at the northwest corner, marking each rare rain event with ceremony and sustaining the arid landscape beyond.

evening view of Camelback Casita with light on in interior and garden outside
steel pipe channels all roof runoff into a native rain garden
showcasing durable material - weathering steel on exterior of Camelback Casita
lower level floorplan of Camelback Casita
main level floorplan of Camelback Casita
section drawing of Camelback Casita

The addition carefully navigates a 6’-8” elevation change between the parking area and main house. A new elevator ensures accessibility, while the site is choreographed to distinguish family and guest arrivals: an intimate, shaded path to the private entry is marked by a pair of custom pivot doors, a floating steel grating patio, and the soft sound of a custom water feature; a more formal sequence for visitors is framed by the sculptural mass of the new addition and the cooling shade of the screen.

shaded path to the private entry of Camelback Casita
private entry of Camelback Casita
shaded path to the private entry of Camelback Casita
private entry of Camelback Casita

This desert compound now supports independent living while preserving intergenerational connection. Subtle architectural moments—like a Ducati motorcycle displayed in the garage as art or a site-specific steel sculpture commissioned by the owners—enrich daily rituals with personal meaning. Existing native vegetation was preserved throughout construction, and new planting was restrained and deliberate. The result is an addition that does more than expand the home—it deepens its relationship with the land, the climate, and the lives unfolding within.

Ducati motorcycle displayed in the garage as art
shaded path to the private entry of Camelback Casita
showcasing durable material - weathering steel on exterior of Camelback Casita
Newly renovated Camelback Casita