Resting on the foothills of the Franklin Mountains of northern El Paso is the Franklin Mountain House by architecture studio Hazelbaker Rush. 

Composed primarily of basalt stone —a tribute to the masonry-driven region’s most abundant material— the home unfolds in staggered levels that follow the slope of the terrain, allowing a direct connection to the exterior and the abundant array of native succulents, cacti, colourful grasses, and aromatic herbs. 

Utilitarian spaces and social areas are housed in the stone-clad lower levels respectively. The basalt stone base is topped by a volume of traditional white lime stucco, where the bedrooms are located to offer maximum views of the valley and mountains below. 

Inside, the design takes its cues from the vernacular craft of El Paso. Stone masonry, smooth troweled stucco, steel, and leather pepper the interiors, their commonness redefined into unconventional new forms and uses. More from Hazelbaker Rush here.

Photography © Casey Dunn