Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture

(Nancy Kaufman) #1
This sumptuous residence is located near
Taos, New Mexico, a town and area that
has a long tradition in adobe constructions.
The house provides two bedrooms, a circu-
lar living room with a guest sleeping loft
above and an open kitchen/dining area.
The roof terrace above offers breathtaking
views of the surrounding mountains. The
house has two porches, one of them open-
ing towards a walled garden with a water
fountain. All walls are built of handmade
adobes and are mud plastered; sometimes

natural pigments were added. Only natural
and non-toxic finishes have been used.
Other green features include a passive solar
design concept, a solar hot water system
and a stained concrete floor with radiant
heat, locally harvested lumber and a roof
water harvesting system which irrigates the
gardens.

164 Built examples


Residence at Des Montes,

Casita Nuaanarpoq at Taos, New Mexico, USA

Architect: ONE EARTH DESIGN, Joaquin Karcher,
Taos, NM, USA
Builder: John Havener, Cadillac Builders, Taos,
NM, USA
Completion: 2004
Area: 204 m^2
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