The founders of The Ranch Mine, based in Phoenix, create sustainable, vibrant and original living experiences in Arizona, to perpetuate the pioneering legacy of their home state.
“Honor the past, challenge the norm, and inspire the future.” This is the motto that Cavin and Claire Costello have used since founding their architecture firm in 2010. The Ranch Mine duo's unique approach? They explored the history, roots, and architectural heritage of Arizona during a seven-month journey, traversing desert landscapes, the Rocky Mountains, Native American reservations, and traditional ranches, discovering agricultural production and former mining operations. What they took away from this experience was the enduring “pioneer spirit” of the American West. “It’s still very much alive in many of us today, the modern-day pioneers,” the pair explains, “and serves as inspiration to continue traveling into the unknown to create original and diverse life experiences.” Their projects reflect this enduring vision, such as the O-asis and White Dates designs.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE DESERT
The first is located on the north side of the Phoenix Mountain Reservation, in the heart of an indigenous community isolated from urban life. O-asis is a smart, solar-powered home. The founders designed it to capitalize on the timeless beauty of the desert, with its sun, wildlife, and flora. The dwelling is thus surrounded by native plants from the arid Sonoran landscape. The topography has been refined and exaggerated, connecting natural drainage areas and the living space while offering privacy. The house is also protected by a fence shaped like a
a rattlesnake in rusted steel and finished in white stucco with inset wooden niches.” At the heart of the house, a plant-filled central courtyard, functioning as an art gallery, invites natural light and fresh air in. In the living space, retractable glazing channels cool breezes while blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The great room features sections made of walnut veneered with
Acoustic felt allows the owner, a pianist and music lover, to enjoy excellent acoustics. Nearby, a yoga shala with a cork floor extends into the desert. The master suite is limited to the size of the bedroom bed to maximize space for the spa-inspired bathroom. All the amenities (lights, speakers, blinds, locks, cameras) can be controlled remotely, and a swimming pool completes the beauty of this peaceful Arizona oasis.
MAKE WAY FOR THE MODERN MID-CENTURY
The second project is a renovation of White Gates, an iconic Phoenix villa designed by Al Beadle in 1954 and vacant for many years. The architects faced the challenge of both honoring the heritage and adding a new chapter. The house is thus named White Dates, after a play about this architectural icon and its white gates. The duo draws inspiration from the mid-century modern style, notably with the date palm planted in the center of the triangular canopy, which references the entrance to Albert Frey's legendary City Hall in Palm Springs.
The interior design was dictated by the view of the legendary Camelback Mountain. The main room, with its glass doors, opens onto several patios, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living. The patio at the front of the house is the closest to mid-century modern, with its concrete blocks obscuring the road and narrowing the view of the mountain. For the interior decoration, the architects used the date palm leaf motif, while maintaining a restrained palette (concrete floors, plaster in the bathroom, walnut and white oak for the furniture) to achieve a true symbiosis with the ancient desert environment.
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