The home is a modern interpretation of traditional Spanish hacienda architecture, with a true interior courtyard. "We observed what worked locally and thought hard about how the home would be used," Howell says. "It was a matter of listening, interpreting and making a simple bold statement." The courtyard and house were planned around two existing trees, and the courtyard is centered around an infinity pool fountain. "Now that there is water on the site, it has transformed from a very dry and arid landscape to one full of lush plants," Howell says.