Building with earth - Gernot MINKE (1)

Residence at Des Montes,
near Taos, New Mexico, USA
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 circular
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 opening
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.
Architect: ONE EARTH DESIGN, Joaquin Karcher,
Taos, NM, USA
Builder: John Havener, Cadillac Builders, Taos,
NM, USA
Completion: 2004
Area: 204 m 2
164
Built examples