The 20th street residences represent four houses set within one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tucson. The property was originally slated for a marginal five unit rental complex when a deal was struck to purchase the property and pursue a better use of the land. This new concept created four separate lots and a much better benefit for both developer and the neighborhood.

The three separate forms of garage, great room and bedroom wing wrap around a central courtyard to create a modern version of the Mexican courtyard house that is adapted to work in the more Anglo zoning requirements of setbacks and spacious front yards. The front gate becomes the front door and lets one in to a covered “Zaguan” or entry porch before opening up into the main living area and courtyard. Adobe construction for the public living areas contrasts highly with the insulated frame construction at bedroom areas to create a highly varied spatial experience within a budget. Metal skin and roof further complement this mix and express modern materials and design against millennium old earthen construction.

location
Tucson, Arizona

client/owner
Tierra Nueva, LLC

contractor
n/a

area
2,035 sf per unit