Tonalea Floorplan
Tonalea Floorplan
Theater/Entertainment Room
Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
Bedroom 4
Bathroom
Living/Dining Room
Kitchen
Conversation Pit
Backyard 3
Backyard
Backyard 2
Entry
Guest Bedroom
1/18Entry
12236 S Tonalea DrPhoenix, AZ 85044

“An architecture of walls set in motion by the sun” —Will Bruder, FAIA This significant home was originally designed by Will Bruder and has been recognized as one of his most interesting designs. The Theuer residence, or “Desert Shield” as it was named (due to its remarkable sense of shelter and place) is one of a handful of highly detailed homes designed during this era when Architect Bruder explored the unique geometry and infinite detail. Curvilinear in plan the home radiates in a sweeping curve that pivots from a single center-point 50’ into the garden, allowing the home to embrace the site, and every room to connect directly with views to the outdoors. A sheltered forecourt entry greets you on arrival.  The home presents a quiet face to the street in this unique neighborhood of custom homes, but once revealed to the visitor, it opens to the preserve and the views beyond.  Moving inside, the space motions you in, culminating in an arc of clear 10ft walls of glass, “butt glazed” for unobstructed views.  Above the CMU wall a subtile 1” clearstory line of glass allows this soaring vaulted ceiling to visually float, and lets light naturally illuminate the space. The original material pallet is mainly intact, consisting of maple millwork and doors, exposed sandblasted concrete block, concrete floors, copper and glass. Adjustable perforated steel sails hang from the roofline to allow for sun travel and to protect the owner from harsh light.  Deep overhands are calculated to provide a sheltered experience that never wants for soft light in the interiors. The kitchen offers a floating cantilevered counter connecting the great room to the cook for maximized conversation and interaction with guests.  The home offers a wealth of storage and large beverage/bar area, perfect for entertaining. The great room floor is inset with a 1/4” curving line of stainless steel following a ribbon of “bush-hammered” concrete, a metaphor for the flow of desert water that culminates at the stainless steel fireplace, positioned to enjoy to views of the flame inside and out.  Once part of an innovative water feature, this channel is still in place today.  Much of the original garden design by landscape architect Christy Ten Eyck remains, celebrated by the mature desert tree specimens. The Master Suite is sanctuary complete with seating area, walk-in closet and generous shower. There is a direct connection to the garden and the space is entered through a custom offset pivot door in curved maple that follows the exact line of the walls. Additions and modifications were made by Architect Richard Doria that included a guest wing, media room and 4 car garage, perfect for live-ins and room for shop, studio, or car collection. The lot and location is fabulous offering a landscaped 2/3 acre lot backing to the adjacent 100-acre Equestrian Preserve.  Views are wonderful with South Mountain always present in the backdrop. The Awahtukee corridor offers easy freeway access and to rated schools too! This home is completely irreplaceable at the asking price, with detailing and architectural design of this caliber not to be matched at today’s construction costs. Presented for the first time in years, this home is vacant, recently detailed and clean, and is ready to move in!

Price$925,000.00
Floor size3,982 SF +/-
Beds5
Baths3
Year Built1991