Luis Ibarra and Teresa Rosano, AIA, LEED AP, formed Ibarra Rosano Design Architects in 1999 after graduating from the University of Arizona College of Architecture in their native Tucson. Since that time, they have specified Hakatai glass mosaic tile on several projects, including the award-winning project “The Six” in Tucson. Faced with the task of planning and designing six detached single-family homes at the back of an infill development, Ibarra and Rosano relied on their commitment to a belief in the power of space and its connection to the outside world. Hakatai glass tile played an important part by helping to create an airy, open feel in each master bathroom, acting to reflect the light that shines in from the shower windows to provide balance and a smooth transition to the outdoors.
225 square feet of glass tile from Hakatai’s Classic series was used in each of the master bathrooms in the L-shaped homes. The neutral color Hail runs the length of the narrow bathrooms. The shower walls and floors are surfaced with the color Ice Green or the soft white color Pearl. The result is a cool, soothing radiance, in harmony with the Arizona sun that graces the room through the full window that acts as the third shower wall.
“The design goal of all our projects is to create great space and connection,” said Rosano. “The Six, and specifically the bathrooms, were no different. Shower windows open to planted light wells, filling the space with balanced light and connecting with the outdoors. The Hakatai glass mosaics used have a simple, clean look that helps create an open feel. Their cool, beautiful color adds interest and helps reflect light into the space while remaining subtle and understated. We’ve used Hakatai tile for a number of years and on several projects.”
Ibarra Rosano Design Architects have garnered local, national and international acclaim with their work, and The Six received several distinctions including the AIA Southern Arizona 2008 “Home of the Year,” as well as a merit award from AIA Southern Arizona. The Six also received a merit award from Residential Architect Magazine for Single Family Production Housing – Detached, 2009.
