16372 N Ridge Rock Trl, Tucson, AZ 85739

Raincatcher, designed and built by Tucson Architect Kathryn McGuire, was completed in 2018. The home, adjacent to Catalina State Park, provides a panorama of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,668 Sq Ft home incorporates regional design influences with modern architecture. Offered with the entire 4.5 acre natural desert site, the home was strategically placed to maximize views, privacy and efficiency. The drive to the property starts at the mail-box cluster on Lago del Oro Parkway, just past the Miraval Resort and Spa. Gently rolling along the country road passing local flora and fauna, one can recall a favorite country road song, producing a decompression of the day, and heading towards a home that provides respite. A beautiful gate opens to a welcoming arrival past the proud cistern, a celebration of the rainwater collection. An intimate north patio leads into the open entry, easy-flowing areas, and the heart of the house. Large windows, with the protection of covered patios, provide magnificent views from every room in the house. Construction began in 2017 with the intent to maximize views and natural light and ventilation. Inspiration came from agrarian barns with simple forms and the low maintenance of metal, glass, and masonry. The goal to have a sustainable building in the desert contributes to the materiality and the methodology of the work. The 8" thick post-tensioned polished concrete floor, steel columns and a well-insulated double-wall framed construction supports a substantial truss system, ideal for passively maintaining a cooler building. The intention to have a solar power system and rainwater collection determined the application of the sloping big metal roof, with gutters diverting rainwater into a 16,000-gallon storage tank connected to a 3-stage filtration system. The house has the potential of being a self-sustainable dwelling. Although the location is not far from communal amenities, it feels remote and comfortable in the desert and mountain surroundings, a place to enjoy the activity of numerous birds and Tucson's spectacular rainstorms and sunsets. For those seeking a truly remarkable home with architectural provenance and integrity, Raincatcher offers something completely unique and authentic. FEATURES: * 4 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATHS, 2 CAR GARAGE WITH STORAGE AND ATTIC ACCESS (ALL INSULATED) * ENTER INTO A SPACIOUS WELCOME AND A FULL INTRODUCTION TO THE CATALINA MOUNTAINS. OPEN LIVING AND DINING AREA PROVIDES THE MOST FLEXIBLE USES OF SPACE AND NATURAL LIGHT, WITH CONTINUOUS ENJOYMENT OF THE NATURAL DESERT ENVIRONMENT * FLOORS ARE POLISHED NATURAL CONCRETE 8" THICK POST-TENSIONED * ROOF: R-VALUE 45+ CORRUGATED METAL ON LARGE TRUSS SYSTEM SLOPED FOR BEST ANGLE FOR SOLAR PANELS AND RAINWATER COLLECTION. ATTIC SYSTEM FOR SOME STORAGE AND EFFICIENT LOCATIONS OF DUCTWORK AND LINEWORK FOR ELECTRIC AND WATER IN INSULATED ATTIC ENCLOSURE * WINDOWS ARE LOW MAINTENANCE METAL FRAMES WITH THERMAL BREAKS AND HIGH EFFICIENCY, LOW-E DOUBLE GLAZED U-51. * 30 SOLAR COLLECTION PANELS, 8.85KW SYSTEM INSTALLED BY TECHNICIANS FOR SUSTAINABILITY JUNE 2017 * WATER: A WELL IS SHARED BY 5 PARCELS AND IS LOCATED 330 FEET WEST OF THIS SITE. * THE 16,000 GALLON RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED IN JANUARY 2021 BY ECOSENSE AND MARK RAGEL, PROVIDING A NATURALLY SOFT AND PURE WATER SYSTEM FOR THE ENTIRE HOUSE ABOUT THE ARCHITECT: Kathryn McGuire is an architect practicing in Southern Arizona. She is also co-author of the book Powerhouse: The Life and Work of Judith Chafee, published by Princeton Architectural Press. Educational experiences took her from Philadelphia, to Tucson, and Hawaii, learning about regional considerations for sustainability. She chose to return to Tucson to complete her architectural studies and work within the professional field. At first she was a student, then an employee and friend of Judith Chafee (1932-1998) for over twenty years. Starting as an intern, then project manager and associate, McGuire worked with clients, engineers, and other advisors. The work was challenging as Chafee's work responded to various clients' and environmental needs. McGuire's own practice is still based on many of the principles experienced in the Chafee studio, dedicated to desert adapted building strategies and regional modern architecture.