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Robert Swaim, 1972
Phillip Swaim, 1987, 1993, & 2004.
The primary living space of this home was originally the architectural office of Robert Swaim, who built it on land adjacent to his residence to accommodate an expanding architectural practice. The site is situated within the flood plain of the Tanque Verde Wash, and to avert potential flooring issues, Swaim elevated the 720 s.f. office structure more than 8 feet above grade on steel columns. The building was oriented to take advantage of views of the adjacent mesquite bosque and the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north. The elevated structure also provided covered parking for cars below. During the floods of October 1983, three feet of water flowed beneath the building. The office was originally clad in cedar but was later converted to vinyl siding.
Continuing the treehouse concept started by his father, Phillip Swaim converted the building into a residence in 1987 and expanded it for his own family in 1993 and again in 2004.
Some people celebrated while others took things too far and rioted and vandalized in Philadelphia on the eve of the Philadelphia Phillies World Series win. I was in the middle of it all, with my camera.