The Villas at Miraval

Our only-on-the-web look at a striking new retreat outside Tucson,

Arizona, with architecture by Mithun and interiors by Clodagh

The Villas at Miraval, a community of 16 private residences set within the 400-acre

Miraval resort near Tucson, Arizona, offers guests the best of both worlds: a feeling of

complete isolation in the resplendence of the Sonoran Desert and every modern

convenience and amenity at hand. Miraval brought in the Seattle and San Francisco—

based architectural firm Mithun and New York interior designer Clodagh to create an

enclave of villas that exemplify the resort’s commitment to responsible environmental

practices. The team was “asked specifically to consider the new spaces with wellness and

sustainability in mind,” says Clodagh. The rear terrace of a villa, above, was designed to

encourage communal cooking, dining, sleeping, swimming and socializing. It’s an

extension of the living/dining room but provides a near total immersion into the

landscape. The cedar-sheathed roof features a large oculus directly above the fire bowl.

Rammed earth walls and floor-to-ceiling windows enclose a three-bedroom villa’s

interior courtyard, which links the villa to a guest casita and private spa. “The area

functions as a place where residents can make the transition from feeling exposed

outdoors to enclosed in the strength and refuge of the villa’s architecture,” explains the

designer. The landscaping is by Greey|Pickett. The wood bench was designed by John

Houshmand.

A driving theme behind the villas’ design was weaving—creating a sense of structure and

protection through an ancient but familiar pattern—which is immediately expressed at the

front door and echoed in the room divider and furnishings. The villas range in size from

about 4,900 to 6,100 square feet.

The dining area, part of the main living space, looks into the courtyard. The table, which

seats eight, is bathed in natural light during the day but glows at night under a pendant

fixture by John Wigmore that was “designed to support the space with soft light and a

clean sculptural form without drawing attention to itself,” Clodagh explains.

The living area features a retractable glass wall that opens onto the pool terrace and

provides stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The rammed-earth fireplace

wall and stone floor create a cool and almost cavelike environment. The structures “adapt

to both the harsh and beautiful qualities of the desert,” Clodagh explains. “Rammed earth

provides thermal-mass protection against temperature extremes, while walls of operable

glass and deep, overhanging ceilings encourage natural convection breezes to ward off

daytime heat.” The floor lamp at left is from Flos.

The kitchen is tucked to the side of the main living area and is open to the same abundant

natural light and breezes. “We wanted to create an experience that was very inclusive of

people across all spectrums; the youngest grandchild and the most seasoned travelers

were all considered. We were very intent on making spaces for all personality types as

well, reserving specific zones for meditation, as well as areas for shared activities and

interaction,” the designer states. Cast-concrete countertops are a smooth and cool

counterpoint to the rift-cut maple cabinetry. Sub-Zero wine refrigerator. Kohler sink.

The master bedroom features a retractable glass wall and a private terrace. The goal was

to create a luxurious retreat utilizing an array of humble yet authentic, honest and

unpretentious materials. Locally sourced items were used in a restrained and edited

manner in order to encourage reflection on self and nature in a fashion that Clodagh has

termed “silent design.” The fireplace, surrounded by dry-stacked stone, seems

incongruous at first but it is indeed put to use as temperatures drop during the winter

months—it’s even been known to snow in the area. Side chair, A. Rudin. Sutherland

outdoor furniture.

The master bathroom, as with all rooms in the villa, functions as an indoor/outdoor space.

The courtyard provides the “opportunity to commune with nature while showering and

also provides another area for sunbathing, quiet reflection or just watching the clouds go

by,” the designer says. The Villas are currently under review by the United States Green

Building Council for LEED certification. Janus et Cie ottoman.

For more information, visit www.miravalresorts.com or call 520-825-5135.

© 2012 Condé Nast. All rights reserved

Original source: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2010-

10/villas_at_miraval_slideshow#slide=1