Malapai Tower House

The Ranch Mine are an architecture studio we’ve featured a lot on the pages of The Coolector and the calibre of their residential designs never ceases to impress. One of their latest offerings – namely, Malapai Tower House – is undoubtedly one of their most visually impressive projects to date and showcases their eye for detail with some considerable aplomb.

Located in Arizona and clad in wood and weathering steel that includes a tall volume that can act as a viewing post for potential forest fires, Malapai Tower House from The Ranch Mine is elegant and boasts abundant space for the owners to enjoy the majestic setting of their home. It is located within a ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona, close to the mountain town of Flagstaff and not too far from the Grand Canyon.

The home is accessed via a long and meandering dirt track, Malapai Tower House is nestled on a hillcrest and rests within a flat clearing surrounded with volcanic rock for a mighty impactful aesthetic upon arrival. Roughly L-shaped in shape, this stunning home consists of an array of gabled volumes and the aforementioned rectangular tower for keeping an eye on any potential forest fires. The tall structure has an imposing presence and is the first part of the home to become visible upon approach. Within the tower, occupants are able to see a considerable distance into the surrounding forest.

For the exterior cladding of Malapai Tower House, the team at The Ranch Mine made use of materials that were purpose-picked to blend in with the home’s muted surroundings. For example, the home’s tower is clad in weathering steel, its orange colour is meant to complement the area’s iron-rich soil and create a cohesive aesthetic with the land and trees that surround it.

The lower volumes of Malapai Tower House are wrapped in tongue-and-groove wooden boards and the roof of this visually impactful property is covered in standing-steam metal in a hue that mimics that of pine bark, and the base of the dwelling is lined with local stones in another attempt to ensure the property doesn’t detract from its peaceful, woodland setting.

Malapai Tower House’s ground floor is where you’ll find a mix of private and public spaces, including a great room, primary bedroom suite, office, garage and hunting preparation area. The second floor is home to two kids’ bedrooms, an area for doing puzzles and a space for exercise and working out. The third floor, located just inside the tower, is a wellness space and, of course, a great means of keeping an eye out for fires.

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