This desert contemporary home in Whisper Rock is more than a residence—it’s a legacy in the making, crafted to welcome multiple generations under one roof. 

The client envisioned a southwest contemporary aesthetic, so we reimagined traditional materials through a modern lens. Clay tile shingles take the place of classic barrel tiles, while natural copper roofs lend warmth and contrast to the stone exterior. Dry-stack stone walls are updated with copper channels, used as both base and header, subtly replacing the heavy timber of the past with something lighter, cleaner, and enduring.

Central to the plan is a great room with multiple seating areas, so family members can share the same space yet hold separate conversations or play games. This room opens directly to the backyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Five family pods were created with each featuring two bedrooms, a living area, an office with a privacy door, and a private patio, ideal for grandchildren aged two to twenty-one.

Outdoors, a large covered dining area sits beside a cozy fire seating nook. A splash pad replaces a traditional pool for added safety and low maintenance. A gentle turf hill leads to the pad, while built-in benches and garden trellises lend a parklike charm.

A soundproof game room off the great room ensures video games and gatherings won’t disrupt the main living areas. This family retreat leaves winter weather behind, transforming cactus-lined patios into outdoor offices where business runs remotely—while shared time in peaceful surroundings brings all generations together under one roof.