DTJ provided Landscape Architecture and Planning for this luxury hillside village nestled in the Desert Mountain foothills of the beautiful Saguaro Forest. The village includes the community’s fifth Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, clubhouse, villas, and custom home sites. DTJ’s objectives were to create value to the overall community, while enhancing a theme of environmental sensitivity and conservation. The limited impact on the saguaro forest, washes, and views is a direct result of research, analysis, ingenuity, and careful planning. The project successfully demonstrates that it is possible to mix residential and thematic design with recreation, and still maintain environmental integrity.

Keeping with the history and tradition of this desert region, DTJ designed a rustic Greeter’s Cottage as the gateway and service center for Saguaro Forest Village residents. The idea of place and storyline is reflected through design elements including stone pavers, authentic tile roofs, distressed wood, and rusted iron gates. The “coming home” experience is personalized with a common mailroom, fireplace, sitting area, and meeting rooms.

The overall design for The Haciendas was inspired by a remnant wall from the Carefree Ranch. A sense of place was realized by pairing an authentic “Hacienda” site plan with Arizona territorial architecture. Located just east of the Desert Mountain entry, the site provided the opportunity to plan a journey into the enclave, pulling it away from the main road. The community shares a centralized outdoor pool and pavilion with a fireplace. Sensitive site planning protected natural washes and preserved the views coveted by custom homes located just to the north. The Hacienda character is further complemented with rustic timber and iron details found throughout the community.