| The rounded corners of this desert beauty were achieved with steel frame construction and no lumber at all, says builder Michael Mendelsohn, who prides himself on his use of innovative technologies for his custom residential projects. The homeÆs exterior finish features a combination of synthetic stucco and natural stone allowing it to blend in well with its surroundings.
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One of the most remarkable features about this amenity-packed Southwest-style custom home in Scottsdale, Ariz., could be what it doesnÆt have. Amazingly, no lumber was used in its construction at all, according to builder Michael Mendelsohn of Cliftwood Homes.
In fact the only wood in the house at all with the exception of the furniture, is the cherry cabinetry and interior doors. Even the roof, which features R-38 insulation for temperature control, is finished with a corrugated metal deck sprayed with a coating of foam for weatherproofing.
Mendelsohn has made a conscious choice to distinguish himself from other builders through his use of alternative materials for the construction of his million-dollar custom residential projects.
He says that he prides himself on using the most innovative technologies and materials available. "My clients deliberately seek me out because of the construction techniques and the materials that I use," he says. "My typical client is very well informed and is already aware of the benefits that this type of construction offers. They are not doing it to save money. They make the choice because they want a better quality product."
| Stained glass windows and a stepped ceiling add privacy and drama to the tub area in the luxurious master bath (left). The deep hues of the marble tub surround and vanity countertop provide a dramatic contrast to the sandy shades of the travertine floor. The unique "snail" shower is illuminated by a glass-block wall.
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That was most certainly the case for this 4780-square-foot home, designed by architect Tor Stubsjoen-Barstad, whose mature couple clients had already made the decision that they wanted their empty-nester home to feature steel-frame construction.
"The husband in particular had already done meticulous research and was well aware of the benefits of steel framing," says Mendelsohn. "He knew ahead of time that with steel construction every single stud is the same, is perfectly straight, and will stay that way. You end up with a very strong, sturdy envelope and that is what he wanted."
This project was unusual, says Barstad, because of the amount of steel incorporated into its design. "Most steel-framed homes still have wood trusses and plywood decking," he says. "But in this case the client wanted the home to be designed and built as if it were a wood homeùwithout any wood at all."
In order to capitalize on the fantastic 3-directional views offered by the site, Barstad created what he calls a zigzag floor plan. "This allowed us to give every room a view, which was very important to the client." In addition to the city lights of Scottsdale and Phoenix, the home also overlooks two nearby mountain peaks.
| Architect Tor Barstad created some terrific indoor/outdoor relationships throughout this home. In many areas, outdoor elements carry on right into the indoor living space. In the formal entry foyer, for example, the indoor garden beds seem to be a continuation of those outside. And the same massive stone columns are featured indoors and out. Travertine tiles are used for the flooring.
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"In fact," says Barstad, "many of the rooms feature what I call æserial visionÆ views. You are drawn into a space and once there, the space opens up and becomes even more special because of the views it offers."
The homeÆs interior living space is arranged into specific zones according to their function. It features a dramatic open living and dining room at its midpoint, flanked by the master suite and den on one side and the great room and kitchen on the other.
A separate hallway, accented by repeated arches, leads to two private secondary suites designed for the coupleÆs children when they are home from college. The home also features a guest room with its own full bath designed to accommodate an elderly parent.
MendelsohnÆs clients also wanted a very clean home in terms of indoor air quality. He was careful to use products that were free of formaldehyde, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) carpeting, solid wood cabinets that contain no pressboard, and an environmental control system that humidifies the air to a preset level. The home also features a special absorption system to eliminate any traces of radon.
| "This the most used room in the whole house," says architect Tor Barstad of the homeÆs kitchen, which shares visual space with the great room and breakfast nook. The custom cabinetry is cherry. The home also features a walk-through wet bar that connects the kitchen and formal dining room, as well as a hermetically sealed wine room.
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Another important requirement for the home, says Mendelsohn, was that it be exceptionally quiet. Select interior walls were soundproofed using two layers of 1/2-inch soundboard and unfaced insulation between the walls. The homeÆs exhaust fans, heat pump and even toilets were specifically chosen for their quiet operation. The home also features underground air returns.
Located at the base of a mountain, the custom residence was engineered to withstand the frequent strong winds that race down through the arroyo. It was completed in January 2000.
Features:
Builder: Michael Mendelsohn, Cliftwood Homes, Inc., Paradise Valley, Ariz.
Architect: Tor Stubsjoen-Barstad, Architec+Tor, Phoenix, Ariz.
Major Products Used:
Appliances: Sub-Zero; Asho; Dacor
Cabinetry: Custom Cherry
Countertops: Granite, Arizona Tile
Doors: Custom
Exterior Finish: Synthetic Stucco
Fireplaces: Heatilator
Flooring: Travertine, Arizona Tile
Home Controls/Automation: Awnings By Design
HVAC: Trane; NuTone; Lenox
Plumbing Fixtures: Kohler; Kalista; Jacuzzi
Roofing: Foam
Windows: Western Windows; Jordan Windows
Steel Frame: Dietrich Industries.
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