Photo Credit: Bill Timmerman
The story of how the Perch took flight is one that embodies a simple concept that is often overlooked when attempting to sell anything, sharing the view. Communities Southwest purchased a 178 acre parcel in the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness which was once a tree farm. The original idea of developing a luxury community on a golf course was tabled after the decline of the U.S. economy in 2008. With gorgeous views and a secluded location, they knew that this natural setting could build momentum, given the right foundation. The building block which proved the theory, the Perch, is an award winning design by Andy Byrnes of the Construction Zone Ltd. The original sales office for Aerie, a 74 luxury home-site community which emphasize excellent modern desert architecture, was located in a Downtown Sedona strip mall. After some deliberation, Byrnes was able to convey the idea that their sales office needed to be on-site and embracing the view.
Prior to construction, careful consideration was given to incorporating native materials, landscaping, and maintaining the natural seclusive beauty that is felt when surrounded by Sedona’s Red Rock. Rammed-earth, cultivated from the site, was to be the main building ingredient that would also include: concrete, glass walls, hot-rolled weathered steel cladding and Douglas fir.
The Perch was designed with sustainable aspects (efficient mechanical and electrical, natural vegetation, etc.) from the inception and recently awarded a LEED certification. The 1,000 sq ft sales office will easily convert to a guest house or home studio once the main home is built nearby. The expansive views that are rewarded from a trip to the Perch at the Aerie, are well worth the time and effort to travel there. Who knows, you may even find a view for your own modern desert home?
Elliott Residence – Scottsdale, AZ
The Perch – Sedona, AZ 
the construction zone 