“The Crusader,” a single-family home in Scottsdale, Ariz., was named Home of the Year in the 2020 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The Best in American Living Awards are sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.

The Crusader takes inspiration from an F8 Crusader plane, wings folded, on a carrier deck. The roof form folds and angles were the genesis of the design. A spinal column runs through providing circulation and illumination by sky lights and clerestories, penetrating the core of the house with natural light. The resulting roof forms open up to the Sonoran desert and southward toward local landmark Pinnacle Peak. The angularity of the house allowed freedom to capture views more effectively than an orthogonal piece of architecture.

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The lot sits on a peninsula, highly exposed on three sides yet with tremendous views. The manner in which the roof lines converge, as well as the folding undulations of the glazing, created pockets of privacy, allowing the occupant to feel autonomous.

Cedar ceilings and overhangs, large-format porcelain panel cladding, and split-faced silver travertine provide a warm and textured material palette. A multi-sided, split-faced fireplace anchors the great room and kitchen. The Galapagos Quartzite kitchen counters and charcoal limestone flooring cool the space and showcase the view as art.

“The plan of the house—and the roof plan—and how it sits on the site, just grabs you,” said the 2020 BALA judging panel. “It looks like a Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style design. It is simply outstanding.”

The house was designed by Drewett Works and built by Peak Ventures. Ownby Design worked on the interior design elements, and High Desert Designs completed the landscape design. Professional photos were taken by Jeff Zaruba.

In its 37th year, BALA recognize outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling and community. Award winners were announced during an online ceremony held Feb. 25, 2021.

Additional information about the 2020 BALA winners, including photographs of the projects, can be found at bestinamericanliving.com.