Location: Ojo Caliente, NM
Client: Polly Barton
Year: 1998
Size: 3,500 S.F.
This site is located in the piñon and juniper forest of northern New Mexico at a 6,800 ft. elevation. We took advantage of the high desert temperature extremes with traditional adobe construction, which keeps the house cool in summer and warm in winter. The house sits on the site with as little disturbance to the landscape as possible. The use of adobe plaster helps blend the building into the surrounding ground. We also planted native grasses around the buildings, which require less water. This design is an excellent example of sustainability in architecture.