This 4-unit complex of micro apartments is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix in a neighborhood locals refer to as “the Triangle.” The project is composed of two identical volumes that rotate around site obstacles. The proximity of the two volumes self-shades the exterior walkways, a technique borrowed from the Barrio construction of historic Tucson neighborhoods. The procession - starting from the act of parking your car - is a choreographed series of compress and release moments, reminiscent of the experience of exploring slot canyons of Northern Arizona.
This urban infill project was designed to maximize the site’s buildable area and provide a six-unit micro apartment in Downtown Phoenix. This project was designed and built at a time when micro-living had not been tested in this region. The inspiration came from Benjamin’s time living in Copenhagen, Denmark where the quality of living space is emphasized over quantity.
The design is essentially a hard-shell exterior with twelve inch deep custom white CMU blocks that are foam filled. The exterior is built like an ice chest to offset the high temperatures of the region. A few discrete incisions were made to perimeter walls to bring natural light into the interior space. A small private atrium is included in the internal footprint to illuminate the bathroom and kitchen while an expansive north facing double pane slider that opens to a private patio brings light into the main living space.
This small but efficient floor plan has served as inspiration for projects in the area and has been recognized by the Arizona Historic Conference as an architectural case study and model for Phoenix’s future growth.
The buildings are constructed from custom white concrete blocks with foam filled cores which serve as the hard-shell exterior needed to combat the desert heat. From the interior, the same block provides a sleek cool exposed surface with a highly burnished finish that delivers refracted light deeper into the building’s core.
This very modern complex respectfully contrasts with the existing historic neighborhood. Views of the neighbors’ 1920’s pitched roof are intentionally framed by the simple white building volumes in the entry walkway. Mirrored exterior glass reflects views of the surrounding context back onto the building. Although being a corner property, its private statement is less about capturing outward views, and more about looking inwards. This experience evokes the feeling of wrapping oneself in a warm blanket. It’s meant to help take occupants away from the reality of urban downtown living and provides a relaxing shelter amplified by the simple elements of sky, sound, touch, and sunlight.
Benjamin Hall Design believes that “the door handle [is] the handshake of the building” and in this design that notion was taken to heart. We saw an opportunity to customize the experience each time the hand is used to engage with the building - from the integrated mailbox to the gate door pulls, to the customized light switches and curtain pulls. As a user, the building gently reminds you of your gestures, putting an emphasis on the haptic relationship between you and the constructed.
