Studio Ma has completed work on The Hollyhock, a collection of 11 townhouses located in Arizona that strive to offer ecologically-minded design amid the region's suburban context. 

The project offers a collection of single and dual-story units arranged around a series of xeriscaped "neighborly courtyards," walkways, and private gardens. 

According to the architects, the homes are built with "exceptional insulation, energy efficiency and low water use," efforts that include daylighting and passive ventilation as well as high-performanc low-emissivity glass, "insulated faux stucco," galvanized metal, sustainably harvested wood, and exposed concrete floors. These approaches, the designers explain, make up the project's "long-lifespan palette" of materials that "reduce carbon emissions associated with typical construction."

In addition, the project was brought to life through a close working relationship with the general contractor, The Construction Zone. “Together, the team pledged to create a unique rental offering of exceptionally high value, incorporating market-leading aesthetics, functionality and performance for this long-term family investment,” explains Christopher Alt, R.A., a founding principal of Studio Ma, adding, “Central to the concept are sophisticated architectural details and quality rarely seen in apartments in any market.”

“We are very gratified to see the embrace of the development team’s strong vision for Phoenix that combines modern, elegant surroundings and a sense of close-knit community with an effective investment in environmentally sensitive, resilient architecture,” explains architect Christiana Moss, FAIA of Studio Ma. “We’re finding more interest in these approaches for both low-rise and high-rise mixed-use residential complexes that deliver attainable housing prices and lower-cost operations.”