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The Desert Retreat in Phoenix, Arizona is aptly suited to its site. Nearly every space in the four bedroom, two-story, 3,500 square foot home has spectacular views of both the city to the east and the adjacent nature preserve to the northwest. The construction and materials respond to the energy demands of the region's extreme climate, which regularly reach temperatures of 120, through specific attention to shading, daylighting and insulation. Even the white color of the exterior assists in this effort by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, contributing to the overall energy savings. The home, featuring eleven-foot ceilings and an open floor plan, is entered through a dramatic foyer, punctuated by a suspended staircase and balcony above. The foyer flows into a double-height central living space at the rear of the home. This space opens onto a terrace that steps down directly into the refreshing pool. This home was designed by SFA Architects, the parent company of PDT Architects.