Canopy House, Tucson, Ariz.

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“How do we, with the least amount of money, convert this dark adobe style house into an open living space with strong outdoor connections?” That’s the question architect Rob Paulus faced for this renovation. Adding to the challenge, the house belongs to well-known holistic health advocate Andrew Weil, M.D., who asked that his personal philosophy of natural healing be integrated into the design. Paulus’ solution was simple and efficient: demolish interior walls and add a lot of glass. A soaring canopy was added to protect that glass and generate a space that “celebrates outdoor living.” That one move captivated all six jury members. “It’s a singular bold gesture that serves multiple functions of creating shade for the house itself and an outdoor space,” admires one juror.

Weil bought the house for its oasislike landscape, so the canopy also functions as a focal point enticing occupants out to the pool and gardens. A rectangular cut-out above an outdoor living room acts as a sun dial—showing the passage of time. At night, simple landscape lighting illuminates the underside of the canopy for a soft glow. “It’s enough light to let you walk around,” Paulus says, “but you can also see the sunset.”

Cylindrical steel columns support the steel and Douglas fir awning. The columns closest to the house line up with existing supports while outside columns stand farther apart. Their placement means the columns fade into the background and the canopy appears to float unsupported. The awning sits 2 feet above the roof enhancing that illusion. The extra space also invites breezes to pass through for increased cooling. “By pulling the canopy up and away from the roof,” Paulus adds, “you still get the sense of this big blue sky that we’re famous for.”—S.D.H.