The site provides tremendous views of distant mountain peaks, the night lights of Los Alamos, and, unfortunately, several adjacent residences. The goal of the project was to frame specific views and shelter the occupants from the intense New Mexico sun and harsh winds while editing out the neighboring homes.

The residence, a compound of six simple stucco volumes connected by both open and enclosed low porches (portales) and galleries, is organized around a central courtyard providing a private and protected natural space on the hill. The stucco clad rooms step up the grade of the hill, encircle the courtyard, and culminate in the large main living space that anchors the compound. Large, deep punched windows provide views from the interiors while sheltering the glass from the intense sun. Light seeps in throughout the day in a sundial fashion through slits and slivers of glass.

A simple palette of building materials and finishes was used to reinforce the sense of the land and cultural context. The portales and galleries that connect the stucco volumes are framed using weathered steel columns and beams. Secondary elements are clad in weathered steel panels and natural board formed concrete retaining walls contain the courtyard.