Martinez Guest House
Type: New Construction.
Location: Mesa, AZ
Area: 1,470 sq.ft
Year: 2023

Located within the culturally rich and historically significant Lehi neighborhood of Mesa, Arizona, this project reimagines a former guest house as a thoughtfully designed 1,500 sq.ft. residential addition to a multi-structure family compound. The site—home to the Rancho La Morena, an equestrian venue and event space—is nestled among 3 acres of pastoral land featuring mature desert flora, existing ranch structures, and a primary residence where a family of five currently resides.

The project responds to both the emotional history and practical needs of the family. The guest home—originally a standalone structure—was destroyed by fire in 2022. Today, its concrete footprint becomes the foundation for a new vision: a single-story, one-bedroom guest house with a full bathroom, kitchen, living area, and two covered patio spaces.

This project is as much a restoration of function as it is a continuation of the family’s' connection to land, memory, and community. It respects the agricultural and equestrian roots of Rancho La Morena while offering modern comfort and timeless design that will serve generations to come.

“This guest home exemplifies sustainable regionalism—balancing comfort, culture, and climate—while breathing new life into a property rooted in family, memory, and the Arizona landscape.”

Surrounded by native Sonoran plant species—such as Palo Verde, mesquite, and prickly pear—the home blends into the desert terrain through materiality and massing:

• The gable roof and modest scale reference traditional Arizona ranch architecture.

• Stucco finishes will reflect desert hues and textures.

• Deep eaves and covered patios echo vernacular strategies for shading and outdoor living, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.

Northwest-facing living room and kitchen benefit from diffused afternoon light, connected to a covered patio that opens to expansive views and natural airflow.

Northeast-facing bedroom includes a private southeast-oriented patio, capturing gentle morning light and filtered seasonal breezes.

Southwest-facing windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet are minimized to reduce solar heat gain and ensure comfort.

The building is tightly organized around cross-ventilation principles and zoning by use intensity: active areas (kitchen/living) are front-facing and open, while passive areas (bedroom, closet, bath) are private and thermally buffered.