Designing Desert Geometry – In crafting this outdoor space, landscape architect Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery redefines the outdoor experience, blending modern aesthetics with the tranquility of a traditional shade pergola and living space. This unique hardscape design introduces a covered veranda featuring a built-in fireplace, a sleek pool, and panoramic views of the Tucson skyline through windowed exterior walls.
Client Vibe and Color Palette: A Chill German Oasis – Inspired by the homeowner's German background, "Desert Geometry" channels an Ibiza beach club feel, steering clear of the typical Southwestern garden. Elizabeth's palette dance involves muted tones, with sea glass green, white, grey, and pops of turquoise. Notably, the pool tile, dubbed "Caribbean fog," perfectly captures the laid-back atmosphere, enhanced by subtle sea shell imprints in the floor tile.
Key Design Elements – The heart of this design lies in its shaded veranda, where beams radiate from a built-in fireplace under a corrugated metal roof, allowing the subdued color palette to showcase the raw textures of concrete, the sheen of the metal roof, and the captivating flooring pattern. As evening falls, the space transforms into a warm sanctuary, lit by cafe lights and the gentle glow of the fire. The garden's contemporary charm is defined by clean hardscape lines and strategically placed large-scale cacti, while tiered exterior walls mimic the natural hillside, adding visual intrigue and providing a backdrop for mature trees. Completing the experience, a second fire pit, strategically positioned, beckons as an inviting evening destination, and a lowered notch in the garden wall frames captivating views of the city skyline.