Dialogue House, designed by Wendell Burnette Architects, is a striking example of contemporary desert architecture located at the foot of Echo Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. Completed in 2012, this remarkable home fosters a unique interaction between light and space, with two distinct volumes designed to harness and reflect the natural light of the desert. One volume directs light toward the expansive desert horizon, while the other reaches up toward the sky, creating an architectural dialogue that captures the essence of the desert’s ever-changing light.
- Name: Dialogue House
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Size: 2,607 sq. ft.
- Lot: 0.58 acres
- Built: 2012
The Dialogue House, designed by Wendell Burnette, is a prime example of contemporary modern architecture that embraces the interplay of light and space in the desert environment of Phoenix, Arizona. This superb residence draws inspiration from John Van Dyke’s exploration of “colored air” and “reflected light,” utilizing two distinct volumes, one projecting toward the vast horizon and the other directed skyward. Perched at the base of Echo Mountain, amidst mid-century ranch bungalows, the elevated living area captures stunning views of the South Mountain and Sierra Estrella ranges. The structure’s design maximizes the nuances of desert light, shifting from silver to purple and red during the day and casting bold silhouettes at night.
The house’s unique form features pinwheel walls of charcoal masonry, with surfaces absorbing and reflecting light reminiscent of the volcanic geology surrounding the Phoenix Mountains. Inside, the street-level volume is a cool retreat, plastered in white, where wind and water refract light onto surfaces, creating a vibrant backdrop that contrasts with the serene skyline and desert horizon. The Dialogue House’s exterior facade, including the updated landscaping, integrates with its natural surroundings, paying careful attention to the desert environment and the architect’s original vision.
The home underwent a meticulous renovation in 2012, with Burnette personally overseeing the restoration to ensure the original design’s integrity was maintained. The updated landscaping blends seamlessly with the surrounding desert, creating a harmonious connection between the natural and built environments. The property features a private pool that serves as an essential architectural element, mirroring the sky above while providing a tranquil space for relaxation. This home remains a significant example of modern desert architecture, with its thoughtful integration of light, landscape, and living spaces, making it a distinctive part of Phoenix’s architectural narrative.
- Architect: Wendell Burnette Architects
- Photography: Bill Timmerman
- Location: 8450 N 15th St, Phoenix, AZ, USA
