Reflecting the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson appears to emerge from the landscape in the region’s newest premiere business district. As part of this new visionary development, the Hilton conveys a thoughtful blend of modern hospitality and desert-sensitive design that celebrates the local culture and natural environment. Envisioned by a talented team at BRP Architects, every aspect of the design is meant to integrate with the climate and topography, from the energy-efficient building materials to the disappearing operable glass doors that merge standout amenities with the outdoors. Setting a new standard in hospitality design, these amenities spaces, including the vibrant rooftop lounge overlooking the McDowell Mountains, perfectly align with Cavasson’s grand vision to elevate businesses and lifestyles while paying homage to the desert landscape.
Transformative Design with Operable Glass Doors
Scottsdale Sensitive Design Principles require that structures respect and enhance the unique climate, topography, vegetation, and historical context of Scottsdale desert surroundings. Integrating this philosophy into their design, the architectural team thoughtfully considered the building’s spatial orientation and compatibility with the landscape and its 3.25-acre site area. “We focused on designing a state-of-the-art, full-service hotel that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding mixed-use development,” says BRP Architects. “We achieved this through the use of high-performing glazing and exterior wall systems, energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, water-efficient native plantings, locally quarried stone, and regionally inspired artwork.” Essential to the design are 11 ADA-compliant NanaWall operable glass doors throughout key amenity areas, optimizing function, views, ROI, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Welcoming Check-in Experience Knows No Boundary
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed through a 26-foot-wide opening into the bright and airy reception area. As if no walls exist, the lobby appears as a mere extension of the outdoor courtyard with its natural tile flooring and eye-catching stone accent wall. As stated by a recent guest, “The hotel is gorgeous new construction. I love the big operable glass doors that convert the lobby to covered open-air.”
Unassumingly, a 12-foot-tall single track sliding glass door glides into a hidden parking bay adjacent to the opening, promoting seamless traffic flow across a barely-there, flushed threshold. “The HSW single track sliding system makes it easy for the hotel to take advantage of the weather and the site by seamlessly connecting the outdoors with the lobby,” says Christopher Swan from BRP Architects. “When the doors are in the fully opened position, guests can traverse from the entry through the lobby and bar and then outside without ever opening a door.”
Indoor-Outdoor Dining at the Desert Pony Tavern
Contributing to the lobby’s light-filled ambiance is a folding glass door that leads to one of the hotel’s standout amenities. Conveniently bridging the lobby and outdoor recreation areas, the Desert Pony Tavern is a popular guest destination for satisfying cravings and an evening of unwind. The space is crafted with elegant pendant lighting and warm wood backdrops to establish a relaxed yet exciting atmosphere. Two NanaWall operable glass door systems immerse the space with the natural surroundings, creating a fluid transition between indoors and out. At night, or during inclement weather, the 12-foot-tall systems close to create a more intimate setting with uninterrupted landscape views. The operable glass doors allow staff to customize the floor plan, keeping one or both systems open depending on the needs of the day.
Maximizing ROI with Adaptable Indoor-Outdoor Bar
A distinctive feature of the Desert Pony is its vibrant indoor-outdoor bar where adaptable design elements deliver a dynamic space that capitalizes on the guest experience. An exquisite drinks menu, paired with floating TV screens for entertainment, lures guests with the promise of a good time. Integrated within the exterior façade, a disappearing NanaWall sliding window system glides into a hidden parking bay to create a transformative 27-foot-wide countertop bar opening. This flexibility accommodates outdoor bar seating and allows for the serving of quick orders from passersby. The system further enhances the connectivity of the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating one cohesive atmosphere that invites guests to stay longer, explore new items on the menu, and keep returning for more.
A Grand Indoor-Outdoor Space for Celebration
The ground floor also boasts the Kasota Grand Ballroom. This event space showcases a compelling display of contemporary elegance and adaptable design to allow the room to expand to the nearby courtyard or contract based on event size and needs. The visually captivating room features sophisticated lighting features and a complementing carpet, which when paired with the neutral color palette and textures, replicates the spirit of the local Scottsdale terrain. Large curtains offer the flexibility to create an intimate setting or, when drawn back, reveal an impressive 50-foot-wide sliding glass door. The NanaWall system integrates seamlessly into the space with two discreet parking bays and an ADA-compliant flushed sill, creating a continuous transition between the ballroom and the courtyard. The result is a versatile space with the ability to transition from an enclosed ballroom to an open-air venue in mere seconds.
Acoustic Performance Meets Aesthetic Elegance
Across from the Kasota Grand Ballroom, the Ironwood Ballroom offers a more intimate setting for events that prioritize acoustical privacy. Designed to mirror the light and airy interior design aesthetic of the hotel’s amenity areas, the Ironwood Ballroom features a striking wall of windows that flood the room with natural light and scenic views. To ensure the acoustic separation of the adjacent public spaces, BRP Architects specified a NanaWall Generation 4 acoustically-rated folding glass door with a sound control rating of unit STC 40. The ultra-slim panel frames and interior flush sill deliver a minimalist aesthetic that enhances function and form. “The inclusion of an acoustical NanaWall system in the junior ballroom came about when the client was looking for more flexibility in their meeting space,” says architect Christopher Swan. “When we learned of the acoustical performance of some of the NanaWall systems, we utilized the NW Acoustical 645 to allow for the use of that meeting room as an expansion of the pre-convene lobby.”
Alluring Rooftop Lounge Takes Hospitality Design to New Heights
Six stories directly above the Desert Pony Tavern, the Hilton North Scottsdale invites guests to a different dining experience at the Executive Rooftop Lounge. Floating above the city skyline—or at least appearing to—the space redefines amenity spaces in hospitality design with its warm wood paneling, ambient lighting, and textures that echo the desert landscape below. BRP Architects thoughtfully incorporated three 11-foot-tall NanaWall single track sliding and stacking glass doors to create seamless connections between the interior lounge and the open-air patio and deck. Even when closed, the operable glass doors maintain uninterrupted sightlines to the magnificent view while sheltering patrons from the inclement elements. As evening falls, the lounge comes to life, illuminated by a soft glow under the starry night sky. “In addition to the ventilation and spatial benefits, the large expanse of the openings provides excellent views of the McDowell Mountains, even with the NanaWall doors closed,” says BRP Architects. “As a result, the exterior spaces feel more like a part of the interior and vice versa.”
Sprawling Event Spaces Redefine Function
The Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson offers a dynamic array of fourteen event spaces spanning over 16,000 square feet and designed to accommodate a range of functions, from private meetings to large celebrations. Every space embodies the original architectural vision, incorporating modern design solutions that enhance the event experience and optimize revenue potential. The NanaWall operable glass doors throughout the amenity areas give way to flexible openings that adapt effortlessly and easily. Even the lobby check-in experience redefines indoor-outdoor boundaries. This strategic application elevates aesthetics and redefines how guests interact with the event venues, facilitating a seamless connection between interior and exterior environments.
Versatility in Motion with Customizable Operable Glass Doors
The HSW60 single track sliding system presents unparalleled design flexibility with an unlimited number of panels for wider openings and customizable stacking options. Complementary to hospitality design, this versatile system offers commercially rated swing doors and ADA-compliant sills for optimal transitions between indoors and outdoors. With this versatility, the Hilton North Scottsdale effortlessly reconfigures its amenities spaces to meet daily requirements. Minimal frames and specified flushed thresholds elevate aesthetics without sacrificing ease of operation, performance, and durability—especially in mid-rise applications like the Executive Rooftop Lounge. This, alongside BRP Architect’s impressive architectural vision, contributes to a one-of-a-kind guest experience year-round.
The Guest Experience and Final Thoughts
The Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson opened to the public in January 2023 to several architectural awards and recognition. Since its debut, guests have positively rated the hotel with reviews raving over the standout amenities areas, especially the laid-back Desert Pony Tavern and striking rooftop lounge. “The on-site restaurant had an indoor and outdoor service along with firepits to enjoy the evening nights,” writes a satisfied guest. “Overall, relaxing atmosphere—would stay again when in the Scottsdale area.”
Incorporating contemporary design solutions like NanaWall operable glass doors allows for a seamless flow between inside and outside spaces, enhancing both the appeal and functionality of these key amenities spaces. “We recently hosted a party for over 70 guests at Hilton and we were thoroughly impressed with every aspect of our experience,” writes an anonymous guest. “The terrace was a highlight, offering stunning views and a wonderful outdoor space for our guests to enjoy.” Redefining hospitality design and the guest experience, BRP Architects has crafted a visionary new development that pays homage to the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert while exceeding guest expectations.
Discover how NanaWall operable glass doors redefine hospitality design in our extensive hotel applications!
Photos: Nationwide Hilton and BRP Architects