Phoenix, Arizona  |  2,000 sq. ft.  |  completed 2024

A design collaboration between Hype Studio’s founding partner, Justin Novak, and Modern Building and Design’s Troy Strumpfer, this 950-square-foot historic home, located in the character-rich Yaple Park district of Phoenix, was transformed through a modern addition and complete renovation—all orchestrated with a client living in Seattle throughout the design and build process due to the travel constraints of Covid. Affectionately dubbed The Mullet Home by collaborator Strumpfer, the design embraces a dual identity: historic preservation in the front, bold modern expression in the back.

From the street, the home maintains its original charm and scale, blending seamlessly into the historic fabric of the neighborhood. But move around to the rear, and the architecture reveals a striking contrast—a faceted aluminum-clad volume that extends the home’s footprint to 2,000 square feet. Inside, a reimagined layout includes a new master suite and entirely renovated interior, tailored to modern living.

Sculpted rooflines and clerestory glazing bring natural light deep into the heart of the home, creating a bright and airy core. At the rear, a compact pool and entertainment area blur the boundaries between indoors and out, extending the living space to the site walls and taking full advantage of Arizona’s climate.

Balancing preservation and innovation, this project redefines what’s possible within a historic district—respecting the past while confidently stepping into the future.

- completed as nvk design build