Brown Residence

1,800 square feet | tucson, arizona
architect: repp + mclain design & construction
general contractor: etc construction
materials: mikey block, polished concrete, white oak, rusted steel

Designed to embrace its environment, this modern home acts as a transparent lens into the Sonoran Desert. The residence was conceived as a quiet observer of the landscape, utilizing clean lines and a low profile to harmonize with the rugged beauty of its Tucson surroundings.

Inside, the boundary between indoors and out is intentionally blurred. Large glass walls invite natural light to play across a refined palette of white oak and polished concrete surfaces. These materials were chosen not just for their durability, but for the way they respond to the desert sun, cooling the space visually and physically.

Functionality meets the environment through strategically placed operable openings that encourage natural ventilation. This design choice fosters a direct, sensory connection to the outdoors—where the sound of the wind and the scent of creosote become an integral part of the daily living experience.