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No-paint zone
Q:We’re building a Mexican-style courtyard house near
San Diego and want to use bright, saturated colors on the outside
walls, which will be stucco. We’ve seen brightly painted houses
in books of Mexican architecture but don’t know the best way
to achieve this look. What’s the best way to achieve this—with
colored stucco or with plain stucco that we subsequently paint?
The colors we are thinking of are deep plum, pink, cobalt blue,
peach, and maize. Each wall would be one main color with small amounts
of trim around windows and doors in complementary colors. Our windows
have teal-colored aluminum frames, and our doors are wood and glass.
—Susi Torre-Bueno, Vista, California
Q: We are trying to decide on an exterior
paint color for our stucco house. Everyone seems to be going in
the dark chocolate brown colors, but we would like a Tuscan yellow.
We just can’t seem to make a decision. Any new and exciting
color schemes for us?
—E. Carstens, Tempe, Arizona
A: Whether you are building a new home or updating existing stucco,
painting is not the recommended way to get the look you want.
Richard Owens, director of sales at El Rey Stucco, says once you
begin painting stucco, you create a problem because a stucco surface
requires very little maintenance, but paint involves more upkeep.
Another reason experts advise against painting stucco is that
it is a breathable material, and paint interferes with this quality.
Instead of paint, look for colored stucco.
If you have existing cement stucco, you can stucco over it with
the colored stucco. Owens says you will need to prepare the surface
first, which could include doing a power wash and applying a bonding
agent.
Brown is a popular stucco color in the Southwest as homeowners
and builders try to leave the landscape as natural-looking as
possible. However, brighter colors are available, from pinks and
yellows to soft blues and grays.
El Rey Stucco’s cement-based finishes are available in
30 standard colors, which you can view at El Rey Stucco’s
website. Owens says that one of El Rey Stucco’s newest colors
is Sahara, which is a shade of sage. Cottonwood, which is also
a greenish hue, is popular as well.
Those interested in bright colors should consider using synthetic
stucco, which offers good color consistency and a wide range of
colors. El Rey Stucco offers custom color matching with its acrylic
finishes at no extra charge, according to Owens. He says you can
simply bring in a paint swatch or something else they can use
to see the color you want, and they will make a sample. A number
is assigned to the color so you can order it through your contractor.
—Richard Owens, director of sales
El Rey Stucco
Albuquerque, 505/873-1180
elrey.com
Supreme courtyards
Q: I live in Davis, California, and my house is built according
to the Southwest style. It has a multilevel flat roof, and the
wall is 10 inches thick to create the adobe look. All the doors
from my house were made in Santa Fe and shipped here. I have a
garden wall and am looking for a suitable gate, preferably wood.
I would appreciate some resources from Santa Fe that make outdoor
gates.
—Julielani Chang, Davis, California
Q: Is there a specific term or name to describe
an “inner” courtyard, enclosed within a home?
—Amy Seltzer, Deming, New Mexico
A: The modern courtyard provides a private place to relax and
enjoy the outdoors while staying close to home—an attractive
idea in today’s overscheduled world. However, this distinctive
feature of Southwestern homes was created for another purpose.
Originally courtyards were defensive in nature, says Susan Westbrook,
owner of Susan Westbrook Interiors in Corrales, New Mexico. The
courtyard comes from the plaza plan in which four contiguous buildings
form a square, with a protected area in the center.
“The geographic isolation of New Mexico created the need
to support and protect yourself,” Westbrook says. Within
the plaza or courtyard, people and livestock were safe from threats
such as predatory animals and attacking Indians.
This concept of clustering living dwellings and creating an open
communal area is not native to the Southwestern United States
alone; it is an archetypal architectural plan, Westbrook says.
The design was eventually reduced in scope for use in private
haciendas, with the focus shifting toward privacy. The courtyard
transformed from having a pragmatic, defensive function into serving
as a serene space for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Consider today’s water features, which are traditional
elements that descend from the communal well. People no longer
need to grow food in their courtyard and fetch water from outside.
Instead, the courtyard creates a private exterior retreat. “It
offers a protected way to enjoy the sun, fresh air, gardens, and
water,” Westbrook says. “It can add a spiritual element.”
A wooden gate is the proper choice for a courtyard’s garden
wall, according to Westbrook. Historically, a courtyard would
be closed off with a zaguán gate, which contains a smaller
doorway for pedestrians with a larger door that could be opened
for wagons to pass through, she says.
Many stores sell wooden gates and doors. Westbrook suggests La
Puerta Originals in Santa Fe at 505/984-8164 or lapuertaoriginals.com;
Foreign Traders in Santa Fe at 505/983-6441 or foreigntraders.com;
and Galeria San Ysidro in El Paso, Texas, at 915/544-4444 or galeriasanysidro.com.
Interior courtyards are also embedded in the tradition of past
regional designs. Early hacienda architecture featured rooms around
a courtyard, which allowed people to walk from one space to another
outside, Westbrook says. A portal wrapped around the interior
to provide shade.
Today’s inner courtyards derive from the same floor plan.
Anthony Anella, an architect based in Albuquerque, says he is
not aware of a specific name to describe a courtyard that is enclosed
within the home. Westbrook says one possible term is an interior
plaza, though this word suggests communal living.
When considering an inner courtyard for your home, think about
drainage, Anella says. Slope the roof so it drains away from the
courtyard. Additionally, you will need a way to remove the water
that collects in the courtyard. Anella says this can be accomplished
with a drain underneath the house. Make sure your contractor knows
to protect the drain lines. And also consider what irrigation
will do to the foundation—hold plantings away from the courtyard’s
interior walls.
Although you should keep these factors in mind, Anella says a
courtyard enclosed within the home is not a particularly difficult
design element, and a very large house is not required. He says
a courtyard can actually make the heated portion of a home feel
bigger through the use of windows looking out onto the space.
—Susan Westbrook, owner
Susan Westbrook Interiors
Corrales, New Mexico, 505/898-2484
—Anthony Anella Architect, AIA
Albuquerque, 505/265-8713
anella.com
New addition
Q: I would like to know the best way of going about starting a
home addition. We have a Southwestern-style home and would like
to see what it will take financially to add on an additional room
for an office/entertainment area, as well as putting in a pool
complete with an outdoor cabana room.
—Paul Koeppel, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
A: Unless you are an expert on home building and financing alternatives,
home additions require involvement from the pros. And regardless
of your experience, they demand careful planning. According to
Kim Lastra, a mortgage consultant with Charter Bank • Mortgage
• Insurance, start by writing down your ideas. “Get
your personal vision for what it will look like,” Lastra
says.
Think about the amount of square footage you have in mind and
how much money you want to spend, which will involve considering
the type of materials you plan to use in the addition.
It will cost $70 to $125 per square foot for a home addition,
Lastra says, adding that a remodel is more expensive by the foot
than new construction. She says also that square footage in a
structure not attached to the house can cost even more to build
because the separate addition can require new electrical and sewer
connections.
Lastra says some remodelors have an in-house designer to create
the plans for the remodel. If the builder you choose does not
have this service, you will need to go to an architect for your
plans.
Once you have chosen a remodelor to work with, you will find
out what the costs will be with specs that break down the price
of materials, labor, and so on.
If you are adding a swimming pool, as well as a home addition,
you will also need to find a company to put in your pool. Lastra
notes that you might be able to get a referral from your builder.
One way to pay for home additions is through a cash-out refinance
of your home. Lastra says this option works if you have equity
in your house, and it allows you to essentially pay cash for your
remodel.
If you are doing an extensive project, a construction loan might
be a good option. You would take your plans and the cost breakdown
to an appraiser, who evaluates the future value of the home. The
loan amount is based on this appraised value, and you pay off
the job as it is completed.
There are a number of financing options available, and you should
contact an expert to discuss your choices.
—Kim Lastra, mortgage consultant
Charter Bank • Mortgage • Insurance
Albuquerque, 505/341-7353
charterco.com
Green ambition
Q: My husband and I are in the beginning stages of building a
home and are passionate about making sure that we have a sustainable
living environment, preferably solar power. I have seen so many
wonderful articles relating to this concept and way of life in
your magazine. However, I am having difficulty locating contractors.
Can you point me in the right direction?
—Heather Ragland, Albuquerque
A: Any time you hire a builder, make sure he or she is experienced
with constructing the type of home you want. In this case, take
your requirements one step farther by hiring someone who is skilled
with green building practices, as well.
One of the early questions to ask is whether the builder has
that experience, says Steve Hale, president of Hale & Sun
Construction and past president of the Home Builders Association
of Central New Mexico. As president, Hale was involved with starting
the association’s Build Green New Mexico program, which
is a partner of the Green Building Initiative.
Build Green New Mexico addresses a variety of areas, from choosing
more renewable and sustainable building materials to being mindful
of energy and water efficiency and improving indoor air quality.
At the program website, buildgreennm.org, you will find information,
resources, and green home building guidelines. Build Green New
Mexico’s “Find a Green Builder” page provides
a list of builder HBA of CNM members who are affiliated with the
program and use green building practices.
James Wernicke, president elect of the U.S. Green Building Council’s
New Mexico chapter, agrees that working with someone who has a
green building background is key. There are many ways to make
mistakes if you don’t have that knowledge, he says.
“I always recommend that people start with an architect
who has done green building,” Wernicke adds. Hale suggests
asking the builder whether the design work is done in-house or
if someone is hired from the outside. Either way, make sure the
designer is experienced.
And before the design process even begins, select your lot. “Otherwise
you won’t know the orientation,” Hale says. Preferably,
team up with a builder to choose a lot so you can discuss the
properties of the land and the opportunities it provides.
In addition to having experience with green building in general,
your builder also should be knowledgeable about green building
in this area. “We have a very special climate here,”
Wernicke says. Details you might not think about, such as how
long bamboo flooring needs to acclimate to this environment, or
what vegetation can be planted on a green roof, must be considered.
When incorporating solar power into your home, remember that
there are different methods available, from passive solar design
to photovoltaic solar systems. If you plan to install a photovoltaic
system, you might need to hire a separate expert who can help
you answer questions, such as what type of batteries you need
and what you should know about tax credits.
Anyone interested in solar power can visit the website of the
New Mexico Solar Energy Association, an educational nonprofit
organization that promotes solar energy. At nmsea.org you will
find information and resources, including the NMSEA’s directory
of solar professionals, a listing of New Mexico companies and
individuals involved in renewable energy and solar building design.
Another local organization is the New Mexico chapter of the U.S.
Green Building Council, which holds a Green Built Tour of New
Mexico homes each year.
With research and up-front planning, you can help ensure that
you find the right builder with the right experience for your
green home. “A green-built home has more engineering thought
built into it,” Hale says. “You want to build a nice-looking
house, but it requires extra skill in design to make it function
better and last longer.”
—Steve Hale, president
Hale & Sun Construction
Albuquerque, 505/890-5335
—James Wernicke, president elect
U.S. Green Building Council,
New Mexico chapter
Albuquerque, 505/897-2315 ext. 2002 or james.wernicke@jacobs.com
www.usgbc.org/chapters/newmexico
Nice shades
Q:My husband and I recently bought our dream home in Taos, New
Mexico. The home is a Pueblo adobe-style with all the wonderful,
unique touches like old wood doors, vigas, a banco, and corbels.
All the windows in our home have lintels above them. My question
is what types of window coverings look best with the lintels? Any
suggestions for shades that would look nice? We want our home
to look as upscale and authentic as possible. I’ve seen
shades in the past that were made of fabric that ballooned out
slightly when you pulled them up and had a beautiful “organic”
look to them, but I haven’t seen them very many places,
so I’m not sure where to look. Any suggestions on designs
or manufacturers that I should check out?
—Deborah Munroe, Taos
A: An authentic adobe should have window treatments that enhance
the beauty of the architecture. Judith Griffith, owner of J. Glasscock
Design in Red River, New Mexico, recommends wooden shutters. She
says this traditional and authentic high-end look provides privacy
as well as light and circulation from the blinds that can be built
into the shutters. Select shutters that have the same finish as
the wooden lintels for a cohesive look.
Griffith suggests that you hire a business that does custom woodworking
to build the shutters, such as Taos Door & Hardware Company,
which has a showroom in Taos. (See taosdoor.com.)
Melissa Nelson, manager of Beautiful Windows, a Hunter Douglas
showcase priority dealer, recommends that you keep the attention
on the beauty of the Pueblo-style elements rather than on the
window treatment. “The most important thing is that it enhances
the architectural features of the home,” she says. “The
lintel should take center stage.”
The balloon shades of gathered fabric are not characteristic
for an adobe Pueblo-style home, according to Griffith. Traditional
Southwest style has cleaner lines than the balloon shades provide,
she says.
If you are looking for fabric window treatments, Griffith instead
suggests Roman shades. They fold flat, and you can select a solid
colored fabric. This is not as traditional as shutters, but the
fabric provides softness. Nelson proposes using a honeycomb shade
that would allow the lintels to remain the focus of the window.
A third option is wooden blinds. Here Nelson recommends two-
or two and one-half-inch Hunter Douglas Country Woods blinds.
(See hunterdouglas.com.)
If you want to downplay the windows, choose blinds that are the
color of the walls. “But usually you want to bring out the
architectural features,” Griffith says.
—Judith Griffith, owner
J. Glasscock Design
Red River, New Mexico, 505/754-9939
jglasscockdesign.com
—Melissa Nelson, manager
Beautiful Windows
Albuquerque, 505/720-8278
beautiful-windows.com
How to pick a winner
Q: We are moving to El Paso and considering an adobe house. The
one we are looking at is 20-plus years old and built by the owners.
It is 4,600 square feet and had a new roof two years ago. The
adobe brick is not stabilized, but the foundation comes up about
18 inches over ground level. There seems to be no inside or outside
wall insulation—is that necessary? The outside stucco seems
in good repair and solid, although in some places it is stained.
I guess what I’m asking is this; if we buy this place will
we soon be owners of the most expensive pile of mud west of the
Pecos?
—Tim Mallory, Mansfield, Texas
A: Purchasing a home is a serious decision, so this is a natural
question to consider. Susan Dodge, vice president and supervisor
of Sun Desert Homes, says the fact that the adobe brick is not
stabilized isn’t so important, as long as the stucco is
in good shape—a poor stucco job can let water in and compromise
the adobe.
Adobe walls have good thermal mass and help regulate temperature
swing. Therefore, if the home is constructed well, the material
will help keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer,
says Richard Levine, owner of New Mexico Earth Adobes in Albuquerque.
However, adobe is better for its cooling properties than protecting
against heat loss, according to Dodge. She concedes that considering
El Paso’s warm climate, this might not be as much of an
issue there, but she recommends insulating adobe.
Adding a frame wall with insulation is rare, Dodge says. Instead,
insulated panels can be nailed on or insulating foam can be sprayed
over the exterior of the house.
Dodge suggests asking an insulator in El Paso if the company
can spray foam insulation over existing stucco. Find out what
kind of stucco the insulation can be used with and what R-value
the insulation will produce. After the foam is applied, the house
can be restuccoed.
Aside from insulation, Levine advises using overhangs for shade,
something that is particularly important during the hot summer
months in El Paso. And if an amateur builder constructed the house,
pay attention to the window and door fittings and where the windows
were placed, which affects solar gain.
Levine suggests asking the owners or your real estate agent to
see the home’s heating and cooling bills. Compare those
bills to an equivalent house in the area, and if it’s a
well-built home, the bills should be similar.
— Susan Dodge, vice president and supervisor
Sun Desert Homes
Placitas, New Mexico, 505/867-1555
—Richard Levine, owner
New Mexico Earth Adobes
Albuquerque, 505/898-1271
Top counter selections
Q:What factors should I think about when choosing a material for
my kitchen countertops? When should I consider resurfacing, rather
than replacing them?
A: Countertops are the hands-on work space of your kitchen. You
want them to look great, but the kitchen is not a museum. You
also need them to stand up to day-in, day-out use.
Among the most important criteria to consider when choosing a
countertop material is the bottom line—your budget. “People
want a look, and budget applies heavily,” says Kathy Van
Gundy, owner of American Countertops in Albuquerque. The amount
of money you want to spend will determine whether you choose a
high-end stone countertop, for instance, or a laminate that imitates
stone.
Durability also factors into the equation. Budget constraints
can necessitate choosing a less durable material, says Joe McDermott,
president and co-owner of Kitchen Studio of Albuquerque, Inc.,
as in the previous stone versus laminate example. Ask yourself
how hard you are on your countertops. Is your top priority looks
or practicality, Van Gundy adds.
If your countertop budget is moderate, Van Gundy recommends looking
at a solid surface countertop or high-end laminate. Larger budgets
can accommodate granite or solid surface countertops, and those
with modest budgets should consider laminate. These are just a
few examples, and you’ll find an abundance of additional
materials that fall into this spectrum.
“You can get the best of both worlds by mixing and matching,”
Van Gundy adds. Some people choose one material for countertops
and another material for the island, which allows them to incorporate
some of their top-choice material without breaking the bank.
If you want a new look without the price of replacing your countertops,
you can also consider resurfacing. “To resurface a countertop
is one-third the cost to replace it,” says Sharon Dillard
of Get A Grip Inc., a national resurfacing corporation based in
Albuquerque. Some homes have such large kitchens that replacing
all of the countertops would be very expensive, she says. “This
is an alternative.”
Get A Grip uses a liquid plastic that is sprayed over the existing
countertop. The company’s Eurostone is designed to mimic
a stone countertop and is available in numerous color combinations
at a fraction of the cost of replacing the surface with stone
or Corian. The process takes several hours and dries in 24 hours,
making it quicker than having countertops replaced. Eurostone
can be used on plastic countertops, Dillard says—note that
this is probably not the choice for you if you’ve invested
in a higher-priced material. The newly resurfaced countertop can
be cut and burned, but it also can be spot-repaired.
Granite
Granite countertops’ increased popularity in recent years
isn’t surprising, considering the material’s advantages.
In addition to the natural beauty of the stone, granite is very
durable and is resistant to scratches and burns, McDermott says.
However, granite is a porous material, and simple maintenance
is required. Plan to seal the granite once a year, or more often
if you are particularly hard on your countertops.
The price of a granite countertop varies. McDermott says that
often the more color and “movement” in the stone,
the higher the price. The final price of granite includes the
cost of the slab, plus fabrication and installation costs, and
you must consider the cost per lineal inch of finished edges.
Keep these factors in mind when thinking about your budget. The
finished and installed price of granite can cost, on average,
$100 to $400 per lineal foot, according to McDermott.
Quartz or engineered stone
You will see quartz countertops referred to as engineered stone
because quartz is combined with resin to form the surface. Quartz
is an extremely hard material that is resistant to scratches,
stains, and heat. Unlike granite, it is nonporous, so it is a
particularly good surface for food preparation and does not require
sealants. The material offers more color choices than granite,
as well. But these features aren’t cheap. McDermott says
the price of a quartz countertop falls between that of high-end
and low-end granite. Two common brands of quartz surfaces are
Silestone and CaesarStone.
Solid surface
Solid surface countertops can be a great alternative to higher-priced
stone surfaces. The man-made materials are uniform throughout,
so although they can be scratched, the scratches can be buffed
out. Corian, a brand of solid surface material by DuPont, is nonporous,
easy to clean, and is available in more than 100 colors. The material
can’t withstand intense direct heat, and it can be stained
by some substances. McDermott says that Corian has a finished
and installed price of around $100 to $150 per lineal foot. Other
solid surface brands include Avonite and Swanstone.
Laminates
Laminates might not have the high-end appeal of stone, but the
material continues to be an economical countertop choice. There
are a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes available,
and the material is easy to clean. Laminates are vulnerable to
scratches, heat, stains, and damage from certain chemicals, however.
There are many types of laminates available, but McDermott estimates
an average price to be $30 to $60 per lineal foot, finished and
installed. Popular brands include Formica and Wilsonart International.
Other options
The list of choices goes on, from innovative environmentally friendly
products to stone surfaces such as marble and slate to wood, tile,
stainless steel, and concrete, each with its own advantages and
drawbacks. Aspirations for a greener kitchen might lead you to
materials such as IceStone, a surface made from 75 percent recycled
glass and concrete. A more traditional wooden butcher block countertop
adds a warm look to the kitchen but must be oiled regularly and
is not as resistant to heat as other materials, McDermott says.
Even a resilient tile countertop requires maintenance to keep
the grout between the tile sealed and clean. Stainless steel countertops
are modern and durable, though McDermott warns that they are easy
to scratch. Concrete also has maintenance considerations but is
catching on as a countertop surface, offering unique looks and
many opportunities for customization.
With all of the materials, prices ranges, styles, and colors
available, there are no rules. It’s a matter of finding
the best choice for you. “If you like it, then it’s
great,” Van Gundy says.
—Joe McDermott, president and co-owner
Kitchen Studio of Albuquerque, Inc.
Albuquerque, 505/294-6767
kitchenstudioabq.com
—Kathy Van Gundy, owner
American Countertops
Albuquerque, 505/897-3141
—Sharon Dillard, senior vice president of marketing
and advertising
Get A Grip Inc.
Albuquerque, 505/268-0929
getagripinc.com
Kitchens with a kick
Q: We are remodeling our kitchen in the Southwest theme. The cupboards
are light honey oak. What would you suggest we do to give them
a Southwest flair? The walls are painted cream, and we will be
using a green/burnt red combination of Silestone for the countertop.
—Brian Selden, San Antonio, Texas
A: A general plan to spice up your kitchen with Southwest flavor
gives you many options. Jeanné Sei of Kitchens by Jeanné
suggests adding a black glaze over the honey oak cabinets to give
them an antique look. Another idea is to change out the doors
with bubbled glass, which also contributes to an older appearance.
Adding punched tin overlays to the cabinet doors is a third alternative.
With the punched tin, Sei advises that you choose a couple of
cabinets to accent with the tin, rather than using this treatment
throughout the kitchen.
Try thinking beyond the cabinet faces to extra touches that make
a big difference. For instance, Sei says you can add moldings
to the top of your cabinets. Choose something with a rough, chiseled
edge to add a rustic Southwestern look. Also consider accessorizing
the cupboards with Talavera knobs or wrought-iron handles, she
adds. This is a simple and inexpensive way to add Southwestern
appeal.
You can carry this through to the rest of the kitchen by adding
a Talavera backsplash, incorporating some of the colors present
in the countertops. Additionally, Sei suggests painting an accent
wall. She says you can choose the color by picking up the lightest
shade that appears in the Silestone countertop.
—Jeanné Sei, CEO
Kitchens by Jeanné
Santa Fe, 505/988-4594
kitchensbyjeanne.com
Colorful cooking space
Q: I live in Albuquerque in a nonadobe generic house, but I am
remodeling the kitchen, and I want to include a few accents in
Talavera or a similar tile with a bit of bright blue for a backsplash.
The whole backsplash would probably be white tile with just eight
or ten patterned accent tiles. I have chosen maple cabinets,
and the cooktop will be in an island, so there is no room for
a tile mural. I would also like to have granite or other
solid surface countertops. How can I integrate the tile with
a picture or pattern in bright colors for accent with the contemporary
look of granite?
—Cheryl Foote, Albuquerque
A: The solution to this question is easier than you think. The
key is keeping your priorities straight. Kathy Jackson, a kitchen
designer with The Branch Cabinetry, says that cabinetry and granite
are investments that you will want to enjoy for many years. Paint
and tile, on the other hand, are a few of the least expensive
and simplest ways to update your kitchen if you get tired of the
colors later, she advises.
Think about how the materials in the kitchen will work together.
“I particularly like to get contrast between countertop
and cabinets,” Jackson says. She recommends that you take
the maple for your cabinets with you when you select the granite
and tile.
If you don’t find the tile you are looking for, you can
consider hiring a local artist to hand-paint the tile to fit the
area you have available in your kitchen. This way, Jackson explains,
the artist can create a design that ties together all of the colors
in the room.
—Kathy Jackson, kitchen designer
The Branch Cabinetry
Albuquerque, 505/345-5454
branchcabinetry.com
Thinking outside the firebox
Q: What other material can we use on our kivas in a new home that
is going to have four of them? We would like to make them all
a little bit different. We have looked at the plaster-styled
and are not all that happy with the look.
—Patricia DeAtley, Scottsdale, Arizona
A:Conventions don’t come out of nowhere. In this case,
most kiva fireplaces are plastered because, historically, that
is how they looked, says Jim Collins of Jim’s Masonry in
Albuquerque. If you try to move away from the plaster, the kivas
can start to look inauthentic, he warns.
However, if you want a unique look, consider a stone kiva fireplace.
To get some ideas, consult a brand such as Cultured Stone, a type
of manufactured stone veneer. (See culturedstone.com.) “They
have a huge variety of stones,” Collins says.
If you want your fireplace to look authentically Southwestern
and decide to use cultured rock, Collins advises that you choose
regionally appropriate stones. For instance, if you are building
in Arizona, he cautions against using a river rock that is typically
found in the Northeastern United States.
Another idea for going beyond a traditional plastered kiva is
to add interest with tile trim.
—Jim Collins, owner
Jim’s Masonry
Albuquerque, 505/237-9705
jimsmasonry.com
True Taos blue
Q: We are in the process of building a Southwest style home in
Cortez, Colorado, and are now choosing accent colors. We
have seen the blue paint on many Southwest style homes and would
like to know what color is the blue and where can we buy the color?
The blue paint we are looking for is usually painted on trim,
on the outside around windows and entry doors. The paint
color is called Taos blue.
—Charles Giannone, Cortez, Colorado
A: Without getting too philosophical, remember that when in search
of a color like Taos blue, the name is not the thing. The problem
with doing a traditional search for a color like this is that
the shade comes from people, not from a particular paint manufacturer.
According to Christine Vargas, co-owner of Vargas Paint Company,
which is located in Taos, there is not one specific color that
is identified as Taos blue. Rather, there are a number of shades,
and the term comes from people calling the color(s) by this name.
Vargas says that Vargas Paint Company has several different blues
that they direct people to when they come in search of Taos blue
paint, with the colors ranging from purple-blues to blue-blues.
And this makes sense. You will see variations of the blue color
used throughout Taos and the Southwest. Vargas says that people
choose the shade of blue that works best with their home’s
stucco color and the surroundings.
Vargas advises those interested in Taos blue paint to pick up
a sample and paint the area, such as a window frame, to observe
how the changing light throughout the day affects the color. Your
ultimate color decision should be the hue that’s right for
you.
—Christine Vargas, co-owner
Vargas Paint Company
Taos, 505/758-2362
vargastile.com
Enjoying the view
Q: I’m working on plans for a log home in the foothills
of southern Colorado, on a gulch site where most of the best views
are “up.” The house is to look more historic than
contemporary, so I want to specify traditional-looking windows,
not expansive walls of glass. I’m afraid, though, that if
the windows’ rough opening height is standard (the same
height as a doorway), a person would have to be standing right
at the window before they could see the mountains. How do I figure
out how high on the wall the windows should be placed to take
advantage of the views? Also, are there any guidelines or design
philosophies that guide the choice of ceiling height for a room,
assuming that it is not a vaulted or cathedral ceiling? In all
the design books and magazines that I’ve read, there is
not a whisper of discussion about either of these topics.
—Janet Rivera Switzer, Beulah, Colorado
A: Starting out with a stunning mountain setting as your blank
canvas can only make a home design project more daunting. Luckily,
the rewards are great. Brian DePriest, architect and owner of
Sydroya Designs, addressed this challenge with his Placitas home,
a residence that was featured in Su Casa’s Winter 2006 issue
(“On the grid,” page 68).
“Taking advantage of expansive views does not necessarily
require large expanses of window area,” DePriest says. Instead,
a dramatic effect can be created by using a triptych arrangement
of smaller windows that are in scale with the space. These windows
create different frames for the view and lets your perception
of the view change depending on your distance from the windows,
he says.
To address the height of the view, DePriest says to place smaller
clerestory windows directly above the main windows. “This
smaller arrangement of windows has an extra bonus of controlling
and celebrating patterns of light that will come into the room
during different times of the day,” he says. “I like
to refer to this as the ‘sundial effect’!”
When determining ceiling height, DePriest says that the most
important thing is maintaining a human scale proportion to the
room. “My general rule of thumb is that the ceiling height
should not exceed the smallest dimension of the room. For example,
if a living room is 16 feet by 26 feet, a comfortable ceiling
height is typically 14 feet (2 feet less than the minimum dimension
of 16 feet).” He adds that there are exceptions to such
a rule, such as when dramatic effects are sought after. In general,
remember to keep in mind the size and height of the room when
making design decisions.
Overall, DePriest advises that you realize that there are no
set solutions. “Different people have different perceptions
of what is best for them,” he says. “The best solution
comes from taking an inside-out approach to any given problem,
that is, identify all parameters of the issue in your effort to
achieve the best singular solution. Also, listen to anyone who
has an idea because you never know where the next genius file
is coming from!”
—Brian DePriest, architect and owner
Sydroya Designs
Placitas, New Mexico, 505/771-8569
sydroyadesigns.com
Bringing the Southwest to the Midwest
Q:My new daughter-in-law is a lovely girl from New Mexico living
in a northeast Kansas college town. She and my son have a
small one-level cottage-style home on a large lot with a picket
fence. They would like to give their home more of a New Mexico
feel inside and out to make it more like home for her. They
plan to paint the outside and possibly change the front entry
to the house. Can you recommend paint colors and perhaps
an option for the front entry that would give it a New Mexico
flavor?
—Susan Campbell, Lawrence, Kansas
A:Living in the Southwest isn’t a requirement for adding
Southwest style to your home. Simple touches can give you the
look you want, even if you’re closer to the Mississippi
River than the Rio Grande. Pamela Earnest, ASID, president of
Pamela D. Earnest Interiors Inc., suggests adding color to the
exterior of the home. “Traditionally, many New Mexico homes
have blue painted doors and window frames,” she says. “It
was believed that the color kept the bad spirits out.”
Inside the home, Earnest advises using an earth tone paint to
add warmth. She recommends incorporating neutral furniture with
Southwestern pillows, accessories, and rugs as a simple way to
make the home look like it belongs in New Mexico.
Pam Bonfiglio, a design associate at Coronado Paint & Decorating
in Santa Fe, says that sticking with hues that imitate plaster
will give a home the Southwest look. These colors include shades
of brown and red, as well as creamy neutrals. Or you can take
the next step and use plaster in your home, Bonfiglio suggests.
Other touches that add New Mexico flair are corbels, or large
wooden brackets, and old doors, Bonfiglio says.
A front porch can get a New Mexican makeover with a bench and
a Southwestern style earthen pot of plants, Earnest says. You
could also consider putting a natural stone such as flagstone
on the floor.
—Pamela Earnest, ASID, president
Pamela D. Earnest Interiors Inc.
Albuquerque, 505/293-0880
pdeinteriors.com
—Pam Bonfiglio, design associate
Coronado Paint & Decorating
Santa Fe, 505/473-5333
coronadodecorating.com
Arid adaptations
Q:We are moving from Dallas to Tucson and are concerned about
taking several 18th and early 19th century American antique furniture
pieces to such a dry climate. Any suggestions? While we have
air conditioning in the Tucson house, we do not want to have to
worry about maintaining humidity levels in the house that significantly
differ from outside humidity levels.
—John Lamb, Dallas, Texas
A:Whether you are dealing with wooden antiques or wooden furniture
in general, when you bring pieces to a dry climate from a more
humid environment, they can crack and split if they are not properly
cared for.
According to Mary DeFilippo, co-owner of Colonial Frontiers in
Tucson, a store that sells antique furniture from around the world,
the key is treating the wood.
DeFilippo suggests applying lemon oil or paste wax to your furniture.
Keep in mind that the specific treatments you use will depend
on the furniture’s finish, and remember to treat the underside
and backside of the pieces.
Using humidifiers in your home is another step you can take to
preserve your furniture, and opting to use an evaporative cooler—commonly
called a swamp cooler—rather than an air conditioner can
also help. While air conditioners make the air inside the home
drier, evaporative coolers use a fan to blow air from outside
through a frame lined with pads soaked by a water pump and into
the house. This cools the air and adds humidity to the home, which
is why evaporative coolers can be a good choice for those concerned
with their wooden furniture, according to Paul Castillo, service
manager at ANCAE Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning.
This type of cooling system uses less electricity than an air
conditioner, but it can only lower the temperature inside the
home approximately 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature,
Castillo says.
Being aware that your wooden furniture requires extra attention
in a less humid environment is the first step to preserving your
investment. The people who usually have problems are those who
move to an area without taking into consideration the new climate,
DeFilippo says.
—Mary DeFilippo, co-owner
Colonial Frontiers
Tucson, Arizona, 520/622-7400
colonialfrontiers.com
—Paul Castillo, service manager
ANCAE Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning
Albuquerque, 505/888-9717
ancae.com
Ceiling solutions
Q:I am building a new house and have tongue and groove with vigas
for the ceiling. The vigas are made of spruce, and we selected
a stain that turned out blotchy and way too dark for
the vigas in a small dining room. The painter recommended sandblasting
the vigas and tongue and groove. He did this and applied
a clear sealer, but the vigas still don’t look good. They
don’t have much life to them and look white except for the
dark knots. I would appreciate any suggestions for staining the
vigas that have been sandblasted and have one coat of clear sealer.
—Jan Ward, Corrales, New Mexico
A:Home renovations don’t always live up to their expectations,
but sometimes an evolving project can present new options. In
this case, starting out with sealed vigas is a positive thing,
says Bob Herman, the president of Bob’s Painting Inc. Because
the surface is sealed, you can use a glaze or a wiping stain to
add pizazz to the wood.
A wiping stain will give the vigas an antique look. Glazes can
be easier to work with, according to Herman, and their effect
is softer and more subtle than that of a wiping stain.
These products are sold at hardware stores and painting supply
stores and are available in a variety of colors.
—Bob Herman, president
Bob’s Painting Inc.
Albuquerque, 505/823-2400
Stove style
Q:I have just purchased a Santa Fe style home in Arizona and would
like to know what would be the best choice for a stove? The previous
owner had a 1920 gas Wedgwood stove and did not include it in
the sale. Because I need to purchase a stove, I would like
to come as close as possible to what would have been chosen in
the early 20th century, if not in the late 19th century. I have
found various places to purchase a converted wood stove from the
late 1880s as well as a gas 1920s stove but am unsure which way
to go.
—Linda Lynch, Kingman, Arizona
A:Because so much time is spent in the kitchen, it’s natural
to want the room to keep with the theme of your home. According
to Elmo Baca, an author who has written many books on Southwestern
architecture and design, there are a few choices to consider.
You could make the stove the centerpiece of your kitchen by choosing
an antique model. Color and scale would be your most important
considerations here—more important even than the actual
date of the stove, in this case, because nothing else in the kitchen
is antique.
You might also look at more recent antique stoves from the 1930s
and 1940s that might fit your space requirements better, he adds.
Baca’s strongest recommendation is for a more modern contemporary
stove, which would be a good choice for the scale and style of
your kitchen. He suggests that a new modern stove with stainless
steel accents might lend a more progressive look to the room.
In general, a stove with elements such as color and chrome would
add visual interest to the kitchen, whether that stove is antique
or modern.
Recovering past plaster
Q:I have an old adobe casita in the heart of Santa Fe that obviously
has many layers of remodeling. I am trying to restore as much
as possible to its original condition. While prepping to repaint
the kiva fireplace, I peeled away a layer of paint to reveal what
I think is a diamond finish on the fireplace. Can I use a liquid
paint stripper to remove the rest of the paint? What is the best
way for me to restore the diamond finish? What I can see is incredible!
—Wanda Spencer, Santa Fe
A:What appears to be a diamond finish might actually be a smooth
base layer of plaster that was commonly painted over in older
homes.
John Aguilar, a sales representative at New Mexico Plaster &
Supply, says he is not aware of a paint stripper that will take
off paint while saving the plaster underneath, and the plaster
probably would not look as good as new if you were to scrape the
paint off.
If you are interested in restoring the diamond finish, Aguilar
recommends replastering the fireplace. Your options for doing
so will depend on the condition of the paint. If the paint is
peeling off, you will need to remove it before applying new plaster.
The new application of plaster is only as good as what is underneath
it, Aguilar says.
If the paint is in good condition, you can use a bonder over
the paint, which creates a surface that the plaster will adhere
to, then plaster over the bonded surface. You could also scrape
off the existing paint, bond the surface, and replaster.
—John Aguilar, sales representative
New Mexico Plaster & Supply
Albuquerque, 505/345-6881
Hue attitude
Q:I manage an eight-building apartment complex. We are set to
paint the buildings, but the roofs are Spanish tile, which
limits our color choices. The owner wants to use four colors so
there will be two buildings of each color, plus one accent color.
What colors can we use that will coordinate with the Spanish tile
roofs?
—Traci Escalona, La Crescenta, California
A:Terra-cotta colored tile is a popular choice for roofs in the
Southwest, but this element is not the only factor to take into
consideration when choosing exterior paint colors. For instance,
Cathryn Moore, director of design at Hart Interior Design, Ltd.,
advises that you consider the age of the building if you want
to apply an era-specific style. Also keep in mind whether the
roof tiles are an orange or brown based terra-cotta color, and
think about what type of residents the apartment complex is trying
to attract (or, for a private home, think about your personal
style).
There is not necessarily a “wrong” color scheme, even
if you are working with terra-cotta tile, according to Moore.
Instead the decision will depend on what look you are trying to
achieve.
If the apartment complex is geared toward more conservative residents,
you might want to use neutral colors, but if you are trying to
project a more modern appearance, you would choose bolder shades.
If you are having trouble visualizing possible palettes, Moore
suggests that you get inspiration from buildings and neighborhoods
that use color schemes that appeal to you.
—Cathryn Moore, director of design
Hart Interior Design, Ltd.
Tempe, Arizona, 480/756-5200
hartinteriordesign.com
Latilla lowdown
Q:I am building a house with an early California theme on the
central coast of California. My plan is to build patio covers
in the yard out of wood logs similar to what I have seen in Southwest
style homes. What I have envisioned is a log structure supporting
smaller 1.5- to 3-inch diameter poles lined up in parallel for
the roof, packed tightly for a filtered sunlight shade. I am hoping
to find the poles from 10 to 12 feet long. Do you know where I
can purchase this material?
—Mark Satterfield, San Miguel, California
Q: We have a home that has a very dark tongue-and-grove
wood ceiling with rough-cut dark stained beams. I have stayed
in resorts that have either saguaro spine ceilings, or maybe they
are willow stems. They are laid side by side just like one might
do in a cabinet. I was hoping to add such pieces between the beams
of our ceiling and can’t find a manufacturer or distributor
of them. I hoped one could buy them in preconstructed panels like
you would sheets of drywall. Do you know of any such availability?
—Jeanne Hicks, Prescott, Arizona
A: Latillas are slender poles that are often used in Southwestern
homes. Outdoors they are laid across the roof of open outdoor
structures called ramadas. Indoors they are placed closely together
on the ceiling between vigas as a design element.
Many companies in the Southwest carry latillas, including Adobe
Building Supply and Groff Lumber Company in Albuquerque, which
carry the poles with the bark on or off. Adobe Building Supply
carries latillas in lengths of 8 feet and 12 feet and can ship
the materials outside the state, says Leo Basquez, Adobe Building
Supply’s general manager.
When it comes to building a ramada, Basquez recommends a wood
such as pine for the larger supporting poles and notes that logs
are available in various lengths and diameters. He suggests putting
together a design, then contacting a company like Adobe Building
Supply, where someone can help you select the products you will
need.
A latilla ceiling project involves its own decisions, including
whether you want to use individual latillas or premade latilla
ceiling panels. Grand River Supply in Bernalillo, New Mexico,
offers both types.
Grand River Supply’s general manager says the choice depends
on personal preference. If your goal is creating an authentic-looking
traditional Southwestern ceiling, you would choose the individual
latillas. However, the latilla panels can be more cost-effective
in terms of labor because attaching the panels is a much simpler
process.
To use the panels with your existing vigas, select a size and
cut the panels down for the proper fit. Groff Lumber Company does
not carry latilla panels, but sales representative Kurt Dahlquist
warns that panels can be challenging to work with when retrofitting
the material because you will have to work with the curve of the
existing vigas when fitting the panels between them. However,
it can be done.
Whether you choose latilla panels or individual latillas, the
material can be applied perpendicular to the vigas or diagonally
to create a herringbone pattern. (Grand River Supply sells panels
in the two different designs.) Both options will add decorative
finish to your ceiling.
—Leo Basquez, general manager
Adobe Building Supply
Albuquerque
505/828-9800, abslumber.com
—Grand River Supply
Bernalillo, New Mexico
505/867-4110, grandriversupply.com
—Kurt Dahlquist, sales representative
Groff Lumber Company
Albuquerque, New Mexico
505/898-0464, grofflumber.com
Adobe appeal
Q: I am building a Southwest Pueblo style home out of Rastra,
mostly for its fire rating after the cedar fires here in Southern
California burned our home last year. We want to add that slump
look to all the corners, which almost appear to be like buttresses.
What is this called? I plan to use the Rastra waste to form the
slump-looking corners, but I don’t know how much “slump”
to use to make it look Pueblo. Any ideas?
—Tim Marshall, Alpine, California
A: The traditional look of a Southwestern adobe home appeals
to many homeowners, even to those who aren’t interested
in building with the material. Kent Beierle of Albuquerque-based
Environmental Dynamics, Inc., says the question of creating a
buttress effect with Rastra is rather common as more people are
interested in making one type of construction look like another.
The flared-out look at the base of the corners is called masonry
buttressing, an effect that is achieved naturally in adobe construction.
Todd Thompson, the owner of Sunwood Design & Construction,
says that as a structural element of adobe brick construction,
the buttresses help to support the walls and resist outward thrust
from the roof load. When created with Rastra, an insulated concrete
form (ICF) system that is made with recycled polystyrene and concrete,
this look is aesthetic and is not used for structural purposes.
Rastra is strong, energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and shapeable,
so you can add extra Rastra to the wall in chunks, then shave
down the excess to sculpt the “slump” you want, Beierle
says.
The dimensions of the slump will depend on the wall’s height.
“Generally, the scale of the buttress should relate to a
real adobe brick size (4 inches x 10 inches x 14 inches) so that
the base of the buttress could be two or three brick lengths (28
inches to 40 inches) with the height twice the base, or 56 inches
to 80 inches high,” Thompson says.
He adds that although you would bond together the Rastra scraps
with foam glue or mortar, the buttress itself would be bonded
to the wall with metal lath to prevent cracking or separation
after you have plastered the wall.
Thompson recommends the following books for those interested
in adobe construction techniques: Adobe: Build it Yourself by
P.G. McHenry; Earthbuilders Encyclopedia by Joe Tibbets; and Modern
Spanish Pueblo Homes by William Lumpkins.
—Kent Beierle, principal
Environmental Dynamics, Inc.
Albuquerque
505/242-2851, edi-arch.com
—Todd Thompson, owner
Sunwood Design & Construction, Taos
505/776-5123, taossunwood.org
Off the wall
Q: I am looking for a website where I can see interior walls like
I’ve seen in the Southwest. They appear to be drywall or
plaster with lots of niches, stair steps, and arches. What are
these type walls called, and how are they constructed?
—Carol Comb, Frankfort, Kentucky
A: Although the goal is to imitate adobe, this type of wall can
be made using frame construction, according to Bill Duran, a custom
home designer who has been working in the Albuquerque area for
30 years.
This effect is achieved by creating a furred-out wall, Duran
says. The framer should use additional 2x4s to add thickness to
a standard 2x4 wall to form the niches and shelves. You can make
the wall further replicate adobe with faux painting techniques
or an application of plaster.
—Bill Duran, custom home designer
Albuquerque
505/294-7154
Gate glamour
Q:We just moved into our retirement home in Arizona and would
like a unique desert design for our outside gate. Any ideas?
—Jennie Robertson, Vail, Arizona
A:A gate can be as beautiful as it is functional. Terry Harwood,
a sales representative at Amazing Gates of America, recommends
the company’s custom gates. “We can do just about
any kind of design,” he says.
The company can create gate designs with water jet cutouts and
a range of other customizations, including various styles, colors,
and finishes.
Harwood says that there is not one particular gate style that
is most popular for a desert look, rather that Amazing Gates gets
many requests for custom styles. He adds that a custom gate is
not necessarily more expensive than a standard style the company
offers—the price will depend on the gate’s size and
characteristics.
—Terry Harwood, sales representative
Amazing Gates of America
Bernalillo, New Mexico
800/234-3952
amazinggates.com
Mining the details of diamond finish
plaster
Q: My wife and I are interested in building
an adobe home in the pine hills overlooking Okanagan Lake, which
is located in central British Columbia. We have been researching
how best to construct this home, given the annual rainfall and
the freezing weather experienced in this area.
One of the features we noted in a new high-end
home was the use of sculptured and highly polished stucco on feature
walls and entry ceilings. We are interested in finding out the
process of how this polished stucco is created. Brian Dorward,
Penticton, British Columbia
A:The smooth, polished surface is created with the diamond finish
technique, which is actually created from plaster, rather than
stucco. According to Hugo Reynaga, owner of Building Express in
Albuquerque, stucco refers to the material that is used for the
exterior of buildings, while plaster is used on the interior.
Diamond finish plastering is Reynaga's specialty. He says that
this technique is more expensive than other plaster applications.
"It's really popular in high-quality custom homes,"
he says.
Creating a diamond finish involves a number of steps. First,
you must prepare the area to be plastered with a diamond lath
wire. (Lath is a foundation for the plaster.) Next, you apply
the brown coat to the wall, a process that involves using sand
and Structolite plaster. Reynaga says to be sure to make the surface
smooth with this step. Then you apply the diamond finish plaster,
which results in the smooth finish.
Reynaga says that he uses three types of diamond finish plasters,
depending on what look the homeowners are trying to achieve. Red
Top brand finish plaster creates a very sleek and shiny appearance.
Diamond brand interior finish plaster results in a surface with
a medium gloss. A Structolite finish creates a matte look.
With regard to color, Reynaga prefers to start out with a Diamond
white plaster base. From there, the wall can be colored to suit
the homeowner's preferences. He says that people often show him
their couch or a piece of tile, for example, and he can make a
color that matches it by adding a colored powder to the white
plaster then applying it to the surface.
But choosing plaster for your walls is more than an aesthetic
decision, Reynaga says. He believes that the work and care that
goes into plastering the home affects the feelings it evokes.
"When you walk into a house that has plaster, you feel it
inside," he says. "It's a really nice, comfortable feeling.”
Hugo Reynaga, owner Building Express, Albuquerque, 505/362-1772
Kiva queries
Q: I live in Connecticut but love the Southwest.
I am faux painting my living room to look something like a terra-cotta
stucco wall. My problem is my ugly brick fireplace, which runs
from ceiling to floor. I want to whitewash it or give it a quick
fix so it has a more Southwestern appeal. What should I do?
Donna
Gilbert, Chester, Connecticut
A: To achieve a stucco look on a fireplace, be sure to use only
masonry paint, which allows for better adhesion, says Rekha Asthana,
design consultant for Pamela D. Earnest Interiors Inc. The paint
can be taupe, light salmon or an earthy color, but be sure to
mix in very fine sand to give the mixture a coarse consistency.
Then trowel the paint onto the fireplace, just like you would
apply Sheetrock plaster, for a slightly rough stucco texture.
Rekha Asthana, design consultant,
Pamela D. Earnest Interiors Inc., Albuquerque, 505/293-0880, pdeinteriors.com
Talavera traffic
Q:We are building a Southwest/New Mexican-style
home in Cheyenne, WY. We would love to have Talavera tile on the
kitchen backsplashes and island counter. We would also like to
use Talavera in the bathroom but understand that it should not
be used in the shower. How fragile is Talavera? Can it be used
in spaces where it will get wet?
—Margie Brazelton, Cheyenne, WY
A:Talavera, a colorful, hand-painted ceramic, draws its name
from the 16th-century Spanish pottery center Talavera de la Reina.
Spanish guild artisans of the colonial period are credited for
introducing Talavera to Mexico, where much of the tile is produced
today. Known for its vibrant floral, animal, and blue-and-white
motifs, Talavera is commonly used in pots, dishes, and as decorative
tile. Despite its delicate appearance, however, Talavera tile
can be used in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens,
says Paul Mahr, owner of Albuquerque-based Casa Talavera. Water
shouldn’t bother the tile, he says, but keep in mind that
darker colors will show water spots more readily than their lighter
counterparts. The tile isn’t designed to be walked on, so
don’t install it on your shower floor, Mahr says. And if
you plan to use it on kitchen counters, be aware that heavy pots
and pans could crack the tile surfaces. A better choice, he says,
might be to install the tile as a colorful backsplash.
Most of Casa Talavera’s four-inch tiles sell for 95 cents
each, and if you order more than 100, the price drops to around
69 cents apiece. Shipping and handing cost extra, Mahr adds.
—Paul Mahr, owner, Casa Talavera, Ltd.
Albuquerque, NM, 505/243-2413, casatalavera.com
Faux‘dobe sheds
Q:I live in Las Cruces, NM, and would like to know where I
can get plans to build an adobe-style storage shed. I need plans
for sizes 8 feet by 10 feet and 12 feet by 20 feet. Any information
you have will be appreciated.
—Dick McNeil, Las Cruces, NM
A:You’re in luck. Allstate Portable Buildings, a division
of Rio Rancho, NM-based Allstate Builders, Inc., specializes in
small customized, adobe-style portable buildings that can be used
for anything from storage sheds to guest houses. The company,
owned by Bud and Linda Grady, doesn’t sell its plans, but
Bud Grady says his designs are so simple that any carpenter can
look at Allstate’s brochures and easily build a similar structure.
You can also contact Allstate for a pre-fab kit, which contains
materials for its Southwestern-style modular structures that range
in size from 10 square feet by 10 square feet to 16 square feet
by 24 square feet. The kits, which cost $34.50 per square foot,
not including shipping and handling, include a window, a door,
paneled sides, and screw-in faux vigas. To order your kit or obtain
a brochure, contact Allstate at 866/771-3230 or visit allstateportablebuildings.com.
—Allstate Builders, Inc.,
Rio Rancho, NM
Portable decor
Q:I am a military wife living in Spain, and my husband is
a native New Mexican. I am trying to decorate our master bedroom
in a New Mexican style because he misses home, and I want to have
a haven for him at the end of the long days. The problem is that
we move every three years. I can’t paint the walls in our
government home or do anything that is a permanent change. I need
to be able to pick up and “fit” the room into our new
bedroom when we move again next year. Do you have any ideas that
I might be able to use? I am not from New Mexico, so I am unsure
about what is traditional and what is trend.
—Julie Lopez,
Naval Station Rota, Spain
A:In New Mexican Spanish there is an old saying, “Muchos
pocos hacen un mucho”—a lot of nothing makes something.
This adage applies perfectly to creating a New Mexican-styled
bedroom, says interior designer George Taack, partner of Albuquerque-based
DESIGN. You should stress simplicity with a few carefully chosen
pieces that are transportable. “Historically, the only woods
readily available for furniture in New Mexico were local pines,
particularly ponderosa,” Taack says. “Given the softness
and brittleness of this particular wood, and the basic tools available,
furniture made in New Mexico followed sturdy, straightforward
designs with minimal carving. A simple pine headboard, a stately
armoire, a small armchair, or a large pine trunk would help create
the look.”
Taack says window treatments should be simple, as well. Try curtains
of lace or unlined linen with forged iron rods and rings. For
a bedspread, think of a neutral linen or cotton with accent pillows
for color and punch. “A soft wool reproduction of a traditional
Navajo blanket would make a stunning spread or throw,” he
says. These reproductions, though not inexpensive, are available
through interior designers who can show you different patterns
and colors. For accessories, a large mirror of hammered tin would
be a nice addition, as would hand-forged iron candlesticks, he
says. If religious art appeals to you, reproductions of santero
(saintmaker) art are available in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
The pottery of the local Native American tribes, such as Navajo,
Hopi, or Zuni, would also be a fine addition to an authentic New
Mexican interior.
What to avoid? Stay away from stereotypical “Southwest”
patterns and themes that are clichéd and overused—like
howling coyotes—touristy trinkets and overly carved wooden
pieces. “And please steer away from turquoise-and-pink or
teal-and-salmon color combinations,” he advises. “They
are hackneyed and mundane.”
—George Taack,
interior designer and partner, DESIGN
Albuquerque, NM, 505/830-0122
Fitting furniture
Q:We are building a small home in a community filled with
Santa Fe-style housing (i.e., bright exterior colors, courtyards,
wooden beams, the works). Our current home is furnished in a contemporary
style, and I would like to keep it that way when we move to our
new home. How do I go about keeping my furniture while making
it feel right in the new house? Are there any books about contemporary
Southwest-style interior design that you recommend?
—Pensamiento Kattil, Tucson, AZ
A:The best way to incorporate existing furniture into a home
of a different style might be to add to what you already have.
Stores like Crate and Barrel, which has a location in Tucson,
AZ, or IKEA, which just opened a store in Tempe, AZ, offer contemporary-style
furniture at affordable costs. It also might help to consult books
by Mexican architects Ricardo Legorreta and Luis Barragán,
both of whom have significantly influenced contemporary architects
in the Santa Fe area, says Albuquerque architect Robert Peters.
Additionally, consider introducing intense colors inside your
home to create a suitable environment for contemporary furniture.
Think of the vibrant pinks, oranges, yellows, and purple that
evoke their Mexican heritage, and you’ll be able to create
a haven that complements your home’s traditional Santa Fe
exterior.
Synthetic or cement stucco?
Q:My husband and I are planning a move from Florida to
Albuquerque. We looked at a house that has synthetic stucco, but
I have read online some negative reviews of this material. It
seems it has been a problem in the warm, humid Southeast. Can
you tell me some information about synthetic stucco and maybe
some positive comments, as well? Our realtor has told us many
new homes in Albuquerque have synthetic stucco.
—Karen Shore, Bradenton, FL
A:Before choosing a house with synthetic stucco, it’s important
to do your homework. The first thing to know is that stucco is
a small part of the wall assembly. In most cases, if the assemblies
are installed according to building codes, they will all perform
very well, according to several industry associations.
Synthetic stuccos usually refer to exterior insulation finish
systems. The systems have been given a bad name in the housing
industry because moisture can infiltrate the house through the
window frames, door frames, and any protrusions through the wall
assembly. In 1998, however, governing code bodies mandated that
all manufacturers of exterior insulation finish systems had to
begin developing and testing moisture drainage systems to be used
in residential construction projects, which has reduced the chances
of such infiltration.
In New Mexico, there are three stucco-type assemblies that are
usually used on homes: three-coat traditional stucco, a Portland
cement-based system that is code-recognized; one-coat fiber reinforced
stucco systems called stucco claddings, which must be factory
blended and have an evaluation report accepted by the code enforcement
agency; and the exterior insulation finish systems wall assemblies
discussed earlier.
These exterior assemblies are used on the smallest of buildings
to high-rise commercial structures, and the products work very
well, if they are properly installed. Some of the manufacturers
have upgrades on their one-coat and three-coat systems to suppress
the majority of cracking. Finish or color coats are not designed
to hold the superstructure of the wall together but are instead
used for aesthetic purposes.
The bottom line is to know what system is on the home you choose
and realize that all stucco cracks when under stress. While stucco
has a weather-resistive barrier behind it to protect the superstructure,
stucco finishes are not roofing systems and are not waterproof.
Nevertheless, stucco has been a tried-and-proven exterior cladding
for hundreds of years, and the finishes, whether colored cement
or synthetic acrylic, will last for many years if they are properly
maintained.
Q: I
live in the Houston area and have visited New Mexico enough to
bring the style back with us to Texas. We want to make some shutters
using salt cedar twigs in the middle of the frames. Do you know
from whom a large amount of twigs can be purchased?
—Tom Byrd, Houston, TX
A: Familiar to New Mexicans, salt cedar, also known as
tamarisk, is characterized by its multiple stems and slender branches,
which are typically a reddish-brown color. Found primarily in
Colorado, Utah, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico,Wyoming, and Arizona,
the plant grows best along streams and lake edges. It is often
used as a decorative element on cabinet doors, closet doors, or
shutters.
If you’re looking for a bulk supply, try Albuquerque’s
Groff Lumber Company. The business typically stocks between 80
and 100 bundles at any given time, says General Manager Lisa Blumhorst,
and can ship nationwide. Each bundle contains about 100 strands,
ranging between 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch in diameter,
and costs $32.50, not including shipping and handling. “We
just had somebody come in and buy 25 bundles,” Blumhorst
says. “We have them in stock all year-round.”
A hot glue gun should work just fine for small projects involving
a few branches; larger, more complex projects will probably require
industrial-strength glue. The vibrant branches should keep their
color indefinitely if placed indoors, but watch out for the sun.
“When the sun hits them, they will fade out to a gray instead
of a red or burgundy color,” Blumhorst says. “You’d
have to put some sort of treatment or sealer on them to protect
the coloration.”
—Groff Lumber Company, Albuquerque, NM
505/898-0464, grofflumber.com
Q: I
need a plan to turn a 500-square-foot entrance area into a Southwestern-style
courtyard. How do I find a design? I already have a three-tier
fountain, but lots of Florida plants. I will probably put pavers
in with spaces for pots and other bed areas.
—Jeff Keller, St. Petersburg, FL
A: While this project may sound straight-forward, there
are several things to consider, says Albuquerque designer Armando
Cobo, AIBD. In fact, Cobo says the more he thinks about this plan,
the more questions he has.
Here are some issues Cobo suggests to keep in mind:
Are you allowed by the covenants and the architectural control
committee in your neighborhood to do a remodel?
Are you allowed by the local codes, which govern such things
as building setbacks, zoning codes, fire codes, etc., to do a
remodel?
What style is your house? How old? (You don’t want a Southwestern-style
courtyard on a Victorian house.)
Do you have proper drainage on site?
What kind of three-tier fountain do you have? Spanish? Renaissance?
Contemporary?
Are you planning to use planters? If so, what kind—permanent
or movable?
Are you planning to use lighting? Do you have enough room left
in the electrical panel?
Are you planning to have a covered porch? Kiva fireplace? Outdoor
kitchen? Pool? Jacuzzi? Fence? Fire pit?
What kind of flooring do you have—pavers, flagstone, loose
rock?
Would it be a loud courtyard next to a social area like a living
room or next to a bedroom?
What is your budget?
“I’m sure if I see pictures of your house, I may have
many more questions,” he says. “I sincerely suggest
you consult with a local architect, designer, or landscape company
and look at these issues before deciding on a cookie-cutter or
magazine plan.
“I know I did not answer your question outright, but as
a professional in my field of architecture, a well-planned design
is worth its weight in gold. It’s better to take your time
studying your options upfront and not having regrets later on.”
—Armando Cobo, AIBD, Designer
Albuquerque, NM
505/884-3308, acobo1@comcast.net
Q:
am currently painting the inside of my house. It has an open floor
plan so that the entryway, living room, formal dining room, and
family rooms are visible upon entering the house. Right now the
entryway is painted a sage green, the large living room has a
ragged-on terra cotta peachy color, and the family room, which
connects to the hallway, has a ragged-on taupe color. The drapes
in the family room are plum with a valance that has plum, olive
green, taupe, white, and orange in it. The drapes cover a slider
which leads to the backyard. The family room faces the kitchen,
which is painted a mustard yellow. There is a sage green chenille
sofa, chair, and ottoman in the family room. My question is, what
color should I paint the family room?
—Maria Elva Sais, Winters, CA
Q:As far as interior wall finishes
go, what are the choices in regard to creating a Mexican hacienda?
Better yet, what are some reasonably priced options? Do you have
any recommendations in regard to windows and doors?
—Oscar Tamez, M.D., Austin,TX
A: Susan Westbrook, owner of Corrales, N.M.-based Susan
Westbrook Interiors, is one of our go-to experts on paint, and
these questions seemed perfectly suited for her range and experience.
For the family room question, Westbrook admits it’s difficult
to provide a response without seeing the room, itself. Still,
considering the wide range of colors already in place, Westbrook
says the best bet may be to use a neutral in the family room,
such as a creamy off-white. “Sometimes a neutral can be dramatic,”
she says. “This will enhance the plum draperies and not compete
with the existing palette. I would have suggested taupe, but the
proximity to the mustard yellow in the kitchen worries me. Yellow
and taupe are not complementary. If you want to use a color, a
softer/lighter value of the plum would also be dramatic. The plum
will work with the yellow in the kitchen and be in keeping with
the rhythm of rich color you have established.”
There are a variety of options for creating a Mexican hacienda
look indoors, Westbrook says. The historic wall finishes in Mexico
were created by pigmented lime washes painted over lime plaster.
“The plaster was pigmented. The lime wash was flat. The colors
were made from natural earth pigments. Often the walls were whitewashed
and/or colorwashed,” she says. “The 20th century saw
the introduction of commercial paints and deeper color values
made possible by aniline dyes.”
Westbrook suggests contacting Swiss painter/muralist Reto Messmer
of Taos, N.M., who is an expert in both lime washes and pigmented
plaster finishes. He can be reached at 505/770-3211. If you’d
rather just head to your local paint supply store, try the sueded
paints by Ralph Lauren, which look a lot like lime wash pigments,
she says.
Westbrook also suggests installing antique doors and windows,
which are available through many different vendors. A few she
recommends are La Puerta, and Antique Warehouse, both in Santa
Fe; El Paso Imports and Doors in Albuquerque; and Ranchos Antiques
in Taos. Reproductions are available from Ernest Thompson Furniture
in Albuquerque.
—Susan Westbrook Interiors,
Corrales, NM
505/898-2484, swinmoffice@aol.com
Q: I’m in the process of having
a home designed to build in southwest Colorado. The home pictured
on page 77 of your Winter issue (the exterior shot with all the
glass) has some features which I like. Where can I learn more
about this particular house?
—Dan Bowron, Longmont, CO
A:
Designed and built by JoAnn Briggs, owner of Albuquerque-based
Koana Custom Homes, the “contemporary warm” house features
floor to ceiling windows throughout, which take advantage of the
great city and mountain views, she says. Inspired by a similar
home Briggs co-built on a Scottsdale, Ariz., golf course, the
spacious abode features 24 x 24 inch Mexican Travertine flooring;
and a poplar, tongue-and-groove ceiling, which extends outside
the home. The curved roof is made from standing seam copper. The
“very livable” home has a warm feel, she says, underscored
by the high ceilings, spacious living areas, thick, round walls,
and eight-foot, solid-wood doors throughout.
Because this style home features so many large windows, Briggs
advises checking the thermal insulation properties of the ones
you choose, especially when building in Colorado’s chilly
climate.
—JoAnn Briggs, Owner,
Koana Custom Homes,
Albuquerque, NM
jkoana@aol.com
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages
of Rastra construction, and how popular is it in the Southwest?
Are you going to do any articles on it?
—Max Jennings, Taos, NM
A:
Rastra, a type of insulated concrete form
(ICF), is a great material to work with, says Rob Hughes, owner
of Albuquerque-based RMH General Contractor Inc. (An ICF-construction
home by Hughes is featured in the article, “Form fitting,”
on page 56 of this issue.) A stay-in-place, concrete form made
from recycled polystyrene and concrete, Rastra is used in high-mass,
energy efficient construction. “It is a great substitute
for plastered adobe because of the wall thickness, the density
and feel,” he says. Also, “unlike most other ICFs, it
can be readily sculpted. Rastra units are stacked with an adhesive,
like block or adobe [construction], reinforced with rebar, and
poured full of concrete,” he adds.
The units, which come in variable widths from 8 inches to 14 inches,
are about 12 inches tall and about 8 feet long. Rastra is very
heavy, requiring more installation labor compared to other ICFs.
However, due to its heft, it requires little or no bracing prior
to pouring with concrete, which fills the cavity inside the forms.
For the same reason, Hughes says, it is also more durable than
other ICFs during the construction period.
In addition to the Hughes-built ICF house in this issue, the Donald
Graham home (see “By the hands of man,” on page 62)
was built of Rastra. Su Casa plans to continue featuring homes
of ICF construction, including the quite popular Rastra homes.
For a recent example, see our Winter 2005 cover story, “Santa
Fe light and magic.” That home was built of Rastra. For more
information, go to rastraNM.com.
—Rob Hughes
RMH General Contract Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
505/620-1287
Q: I
have been charged with developing an exterior color scheme for
our oceanfront condominium. The boulevard is full of eclectic
architectural styles and color combinations. As a native of New
Mexico, I would like to submit a contemporary, high-style Santa
Fe scheme for consideration. Any suggestions?
—Jerry Brown, Long Beach, CA
A: Color choice is pretty subjective stuff, so rather
than offer specific suggestions let’s talk about the process.
In developing a color scheme, the context of the surrounding neighborhood
is a good place to start. Our architectural firm has designed
several colorful apartment complexes in Albuquerque. We begin
any project by investigating the cultural and architectural styles
of the neighborhood. If the existing eclectic styles and other
color combinations set a precedent that is indigenous to the area,
then take careful steps to be a good neighbor. Research any overlay
zoning or covenants that might exist. Shoot some photos of the
neighborhood, especially unique details and accent colors you
find appealing—not to replicate, but to establish the canvas
of context.
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. A live experience
is worth a thousand pictures. Find a paint color fan that is well
organized in terms of hue and tone. Get bigger samples of the
colors. Paint portions of the building before you paint the entire
building. Discuss the proposed style and color of the condominium
with interested neighbors and City Planning staff and do a lot
of listening. If you desire a scheme that suggests a major departure
from the norm, it is better to hear about it sooner and plan accordingly.
If the surrounding neighborhood is a mixed bag of styles and colors,
then perhaps an opportunity exists to set a new precedent. Either
way, you feel more confident in your selections with the benefit
of the context and opinions of those around you.
—Ron Witherspoon, AIA,
Housing Division, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Ltd., Albuquerque,
505/761-9700, info@dpsabq.com, dbsabq.com
Q: I
plan to xeriscape the yard of my Pueblo-style home. Only trouble
is, the property has an unsightly area where the engineered septic
system is, which is painted a hideous bright green! Is there a
way to landscape this area to camouflage the various components
of the septic system, yet leave them accessible?
—Judy Robinson, Tijeras, NM
A:Screening, or “camouflaging,” objects from
view is a common issue in many landscaping projects. Somehow,
the utility box or electric cables always seem be in the wrong
place. Many types of vegetation can be used to hide these items
while allowing service crews necessary access to the equipment.
Native shrubs and trees such as mountain mahogany, chamisa, piñon
pine, or juniper offer visual comfort and enhance the property.
As these species are evergreens, they will maintain their natural
green throughout the winter months.
Larger native yuccas and cactii can also add to the beauty of
landscape design and aid in screening. Large boulders can shield
unsightly objects as well. Many tall grasses offer a beautiful
“moving” screen as they sway in the breeze. Finally,
many types of sage offer a dense and colorful barrier with hues
lasting many months of the year.
The City of Albuquerque, which encourages xeriscaping as the
landscape direction the arid city should take, offers a free color
xeriscaping guide that may assist you in identifying vegetation
options to cover the eyesore on your property. The guide is available
from the Water Conservation Office, 800/659-8331, or locally through
Rowland Nurseries, 505/883-5727.
—Gaylan Coffman,
Rocky Mountain Landscaping, Albuquerque, NM, 505/822-1664
Q: I
am interested in building adobe homes in the deserts of Southern
California. Can you refer me to resource materials and adobe professionals
in this part of the country?
—Dan Fox, Sun Valley, CA
A: The adobe community in the West is growing larger and
more active each year. There are several good resources for connecting
with adobe builders and suppliers. In California, your first contact
should be adobe-brick manufacturer Hans Sumpf Adobe (Bobbie Kemp
Van Ee, 40101 Avenue 10, Madera, CA 93638, 559/439-3214, hanssumpf@msn.com).
The Adobe Factory, the largest producer of adobe bricks in New
Mexico and probably in the world, ships to residential and commercial
builders worldwide (Mel Medina, P.O. Box 510, Alcalde, NM 87511,
505/852-4131, adobefactory.com, mel@adobefactory.com).
The Adobe Association of the Southwest, chaired by adobe veteran
and professor Quentin Wilson, hosts an annual conference in May
and encourages networking within the adobe community (adobeasw.com,
qwilson@mail.nnmcc.edu). Adobe Builder, an online resource sponsored
by the Southwest Solaradobe School, publishes “Adobe Builder”
e-newsletter and sells print literature about adobe construction.
The website also posts a contact list of adobe builders, craftsmen,
and suppliers (P.O. Box 153, Bosque, NM 87006, 505/861-228, adobebuilder.com,
adobebuilder@juno.com). The Adobe Alliance builds low-cost, energy-efficient
housing and sponsors educational programs at various Southwestern
locations (P.O. Box 1915, Presidio, TX 79845, 432/229-4425, 800/359-6677,
ext. 77, adobealliance.org, simone@adobealliance.org).
—Mark Chalom, Architect,
Solar Design and Analysis,
52 Calimo Circle, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
505/983-1885
Q:
I just completed a 960-square-foot stucco second story on my ranch-style
home. I am now at the stage where I am going to knock off the
flat wood eves to expose the beam ends. Do you have a suggestion
on how I can give the beams a Southwest look?
—Rusty LaFrance, Las Vegas, NV
A: Exposed exterior beams are a traditional element of
Southwest style. Unfortunately, they can also be a maintenance
headache. The desert sun dries out the wood, the wood wicks moisture
into the walls, and the moisture damages the walls and rots out
the wood—not good. One easy solution that is also decorative
is to cap the ends of the beams with copper sleeves. Over time
the copper will age a greenish color for a faded, rustic look
that goes well with Southwest style. Another option is to go with
a prefinished metal that picks up the color of your exterior trim.
—Jeff Speck, Jade Enterprises, Inc., Albuquerque, 505/856-5233,
JadeEnterprises@aol.com, JadeEnterprises.com
Q:I
just built an outdoor BBQ that includes a matching circular fire
pit and a 15-foot half-circle bench. My Santa Fe-style home is
adobe colored. I’m wondering what color to paint the BBQ,
which is gray stucco. Can you recommend colors or a good website
to visit for ideas?
—Von Wilcken, Mesa, AZ
A: Painting stucco is not recommended. Consisting of cement,
sand, and lime, stucco is extremely breathable—any moisture
that gets in can get back out. Additionally, stucco systems are
water repellent, UV resistant, and stain resistant. If you paint
the system, you’ve defeated the purpose of the system.
We recommend instead that you restucco the BBQ with either traditional
cement stucco or synthetic stucco. Both are available in many
colors that would match or complement the color of your home.
Traditional cement stucco, naturally pigmented with iron oxides,
yields earth tones like the popular “Buckskin,” “Adobe,”
and “Fawn” widely used for Southwest-style homes today.
Like the natural landscape, cement stucco will appear different
depending on light conditions, time of day, and season. Its rough,
irregular appearance is a large part of its timeless appeal.
In contrast, synthetic stucco is valued for its uniformity and
consistency of color. The color selection for synthetic stucco
is almost endless—our lab can match color from just a shingle
or a piece of tile. Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement
Centers carry stucco color charts. Our sister company, LaHabra
Stucco, offers an online color chip chart at lahabrastucco.com.
Some stucco companies, such as El Rey, offer free stucco samples
you can hold up to the surface you want to match or apply color
to. A good stucco job will last 35 years or more, so make sure
you choose the color wisely.
—Bret McClanahan,
Home Builder Representative,
El Rey Stucco, Albuquerque,
505/873-1180, 888/463-5739, bret.mcclanahan@elrey.com, elrey.com
Q: I
am building a Southwest-style home and would like some ideas on
fireplace design and surrounds. The fireplace will be an arched-top
gas log model rather than a traditional kiva style.
—Ian Whitehead, Sedona, AZ
A: I have built several kiva-style surrounds for the gas
log unit you describe, but if this isn’t your cup of tea
I would suggest a more formal look. Consider the style of your
home: is it traditional? Contemporary? Eclectic? The style of
the fireplace should complement the style of your home. Next,
determine size, based partly on the function of the fireplace.
Will it serve as a centerpiece for large gatherings, or a focal
point for intimate conversation? Draw in chalk in your garage
or on the patio to get an idea what size fireplace feels right
to you.
After size, decide how busy or simple you’d like the fireplace
to be. I generally add everything I can think of on the fireplace,
then slowly eliminate artwork, photographs, etc., until I’m
comfortable with the look. Work closely with the individual who
is building your fireplace, not just the builder of your home.
This will minimize miscommunication and increase the likelihood
you’ll be satisfied with the results. Lastly, always remember
to bring coffee and donuts on Friday morning for the crew. I’ve
been doing fireplaces since 1979, and it’s always appreciated!
—Al Knight,
Al Knight & Co., Albuquerque,
505/264-1656
Q:We
are about to remodel our swimming pool and love the look of Talavera
tile. Can you suggest good sources of Talavera, including Mexican
border towns? —Sandy Epps,
Alleyton, TX
A:As designers and authors of a six-volume series on Mexican
design and style (Gibbs Smith, Publisher), we’ve traveled
extensively throughout Mexico and the American Southwest scouting
building and design sources.
We recommend the following four suppliers of Talavera tile: in
Laredo Taide Imports, 2602 San Bernardo Ave., 956/722-0682; Ladrillera
Mecanizada, across the border from Laredo in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico,
Ave. Cesar Lopez de Lara #4310, Col. Burocratas C.P. 88280, 011
52 867 719-5054; in San Antonio Reeso’s Tile (they own their
own factory in Mexico so quality and prices are good), 1022 Vance
Jackson, 210/736-2637; and in El Paso Tierra Mexican Tile, 4300
N. Mesa St. #C, 915/838-0361.
—Joe P. Carr and Karen Witynski,
Joe P. Carr Antiques & Design, Austin, TX,
512/327-8284, mexicanstyle.comn
Q:Can
you recommend a source of floor plans for small adobe houses?
Also, where can I get more information on adobe-style design elements?
—Guida Anderson, Maui, Hawaii
A: Congratulations on investigating a terrific building
material! Our book Adobe Houses for Today: Flexible Plans for
Your Adobe Home (Sunstone Press, 2001) includes 12 designs for
small adobe houses, with construction drawings available for $25
to encourage adobe building. The website adobebuilder.com also
offers working drawings for several plans.
Two classic books showing numerous designs for small adobe homes
are Adobe Architecture by New Mexico artist and architect Myrtle
Stedman (Sunstone Press, 1973) and La Casa Adobe (Ancient City
Press, 1961; rev. ed., 1986) by the late Santa Fe architect William
Lumpkins.
Adobe: Build It Yourself by Paul G. McHenry (University of Arizona
Press, 1985) is a well-written guide to adobe home construction.
The Small Adobe House (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, 2001) by historian
Agnesa Reeve, with photographs by Robert Reck, celebrates building
small with adobe.
As for design elements, gorgeous “coffee table” books
showing Southwestern design details are too numerous to list,
but Adobe Details (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, 2002) by Karen Witynski
and Joe P. Carr is a good place to start, chock full of color
photographs and informed commentary. Builders Booksource, buildersbooksource.com,
offers a plethora of titles on building and design. We also recommend
browsing bookstores in New Mexico or searching “Adobe Houses”
on Internet booksellers such as amazon.com.
—Laura Sanchez and Alex Sanchez, P.O. Box 212, Los Lunas,
NM 87031, alexs@nmia.com
Q:We
are in the process of selling our home in Texas and contemplating
a move to New Mexico. On a recent trip we visited Placitas and
think we might want to live in this area in an adobe house. What
are the pros and cons of adobe versus adobe-style homes?
—Dick Kinas, Austin, TX
A: There are several benefits to building a true adobe
home as compared with adobe-style using wood frame construction.
The massive adobe walls provide significant passive control of
indoor temperatures—they stay cool in the summer and warm
in the winter. The same thick walls also make the inside of an
adobe home quiet, as they absorb and insulate from sounds both
inside and outside of the home. A properly insulated adobe home
is thermally efficient, as well as quiet. A well-designed adobe
home will need no cooling system, whereas stick construction probably
will. The combination of adobe with natural plasters, wood ceilings,
and other traditional finishes results in a rich blend of tradition,
comfort, and elegance which is hard to duplicate with frame construction.
Those of us who have built both know that it’s pretty hard
to make stick construction look like true adobe. Finally, an adobe
home typically commands a higher selling price on the market.
On the negative side, adobe |
