1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
From the Photos: Peek inside these 80+ historic Tucson homes series
Alvin Gordon's home was photographed for the Tucson Citizen home section in 1963. The home had Spanish, Mexican and Native American accents.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
A view of the Alving Gordon home in the Catalina foothills points up several of the unusual architectural aspects. Angular buttress columns of baked adobe serve both an architectural purpose and as a structural support. The architect utilized native ocotillo in devising the roof structure. Used alone in roof overhangs it provides interesting patterns of light and shadow.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Sahuaros and natural desert growth surround the home as seen in this view of the patio and pool. Mexican ollas and baskets decorate the patio floor which is the same as in the home's interior.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Interior and exterior meld together through the use of glass walls and gables on either side of the dining-living area. Indian rugs are used and the adobe wall circles around to form the beehive fireplace in one corner of the living room. Furnishings combine Indian and Spanish designs.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Original oils by a Mexican artist on the living room wall depict All Saints day ion Mexico. Glass doors open to the covered patio area and then on to the swimming pool and larger exterior patio.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Again one gets the effect of light and shadow cast through the ocotillo strips used on this portion of the patio. The exposed two foot wide wall surrounding the home serves both for seating and sunning.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Pine doors at the front entry are in a satin hand rubbed dark finish. Mexican baskets and pots are used as planters. Lamp is of wrought iron.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Tones of gold, rust and black are used in the master bedroom. Bolsters on the bed are covered in the same material used in the draperies, a hand-blocked Indian geometrical pattern. Dressing area and bath adjoin.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Birch cabinet work in the kitchen and laundry area is in a rubbed walnut finish. Hardware is in an oil rubbed bronze finish. Kitchen is to the left and laundry to the right.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Shutters are used at the windows of the guest bedroom. Covers on the twin beds are in a black and white hand done print and bolsters are covered in rich tangerine.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
Shutters are used at the windows of the guest bedroom. Covers on the twin beds are in a black and white hand done print and bolsters are covered in rich tangerine.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
The dining area.
1963 Tucson home photos: Ocotillo roof on a Foothills home
This plan shows the relationship of the protected patio to the outside patio and to the living area and something of the openness of the home.

