Pleats House by The Ranch Mine in Phoenix, Arizona

Project: Pleats House
Architects: The Ranch Mine
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Area: 1,850 sq ft
Photography: Roehner + Ryan

Pleats House by The Ranch Mine

The Pleats House project is a stunning modern residence located in Phoenix, Arizona. Interestingly, the inspiration for this home's design came from the saguaro cactus, a giant cactus characteristic of the Sonoran Desert. Its recognizable form inspired The Ranch Mine to create a house that feels part of its surrounding environment. This is not the first project from this studio featured on our site. We have also showcased their Big Top House, Red Rocks Residence and Foo House projects, so be sure to check them out too — you'll love them.

The saguaro cactus, a giant cactus that grows only in the Sonoran Desert, is an iconic figure of the western United States. Its distinctive shape is easily recognizable, even in silhouette, and for locals, the beauty of this magnificent plant goes beyond its form. It became an inspiration for the design of the 'Pleats' house by Phoenix-based architectural firm The Ranch Mine, known for their modern homes with courtyards ideal for desert urban living. This house's story began over ten years ago and represents a shining example of homeowners who became long-term goals, showing patience and determination.

In 2007, the homeowners found perfect real estate in an ideal corner just south of a protected mountain zone and north of Phoenix's center. The property was less than a mile from the desert and two miles from Dreamy Draw Mountain Preserve, an excellent place for walks with their two rescue dogs, Daisie and Buster. But there was one issue — the house. From day one, their goal was to renovate the house to fit their lifestyle — modern yet cozy, functional yet unique, minimalist yet welcoming. They knew that with the right house they loved just as much as their neighborhood, they would finally make it their home for many years to come.

According to the homeowners: "We simply needed to find the right partner with a vision of what could be, not what was. We found them." After ten years living below their means and surviving the Great Recession, saving every penny, the homeowners approached The Ranch Mine with a small budget and big dreams. Conceptually, the design features a 3-sided courtyard surrounded by a pool. To save money, they reused the original house foundation and redesigned the space to accommodate bedrooms, including a workshop that was previously missing.

A new gabled structure with high ceilings was added to offer views of the mountains and create an open area between interior and exterior spaces with a perforated metal roof for the patio to ease the transition from bright sunny outdoor space to interior. The high ceiling of the gabled structure adds additional shade in the courtyard from harsh midday sun. Then, the garage and workshop were hidden behind the house, completing the 3-sided courtyard.

Aesthetically, the house exterior uses elements of the saguaro cactus. The name 'Pleats' comes from the corrugated metal that shields the gabled structure, resembling pleats on the outside of a cactus. The gabled entrance features a wood pattern reminiscent of branching ribs of a cactus, and the recessed entrance recalls the saguaro boot — holes in giant cacti used by desert animals as homes. A camouflage door is located inside the recessed entrance, providing direct access to the guest room.

Inside, clients wanted a "modern 1950s style with industrial influences and touches of contemporary European equipment and design." To meet this request, fixtures, hardware, and appliances were selected for their clean European aesthetic, while finishes like walnut cabinets, accent lighting, and furniture added a touch of 1950s style. Concrete floors, stainless steel in the kitchen, and a perforated metal roof on the patio matched the industrial aesthetic style.

The saguaro cactus grows about one inch per year and typically doesn't begin developing its characteristic arms until 75 years old. Patience and focus are often rewarded, and this house is now open to its community, welcoming them into the saguaro boot sanctuary. The homeowners say: "Pleats is the first home we've opened to all our friends and family because we are so proud that it's our home!"

–The Ranch Mine