A Private Residence : Santa Fe, New Mexico

Designed for a single man, the project is located 20 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the community of “El Valle de Arroyo Seco”. Sited on a steep eastward facing slope the new 2300sf multi-level residence will be organized along an east-west axis with vast views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The linear axis of the plan is defined by a multi-function concrete wall. Abstractly, the wall provides visual “strength” to the composition of lighter folded planes. Functionally, the wall will serve as the distribution core for the HVAC system and will provide lateral stability for the structural system. It will also perform “passively” as a “thermal gain” system during winter months. Running along the wall is a central staircase from which private and living spaces will be accessed.

Visual continuity from interior to exterior spaces is explored at every opportunity. This being most apparent at the courtyard which will be an extension of the family room. Future sustainability and energy efficiency will be supported by various systems including SIP perimeter construction, solar panels for hot water and electricity, a gray water re-use system and roof water harvesting. The choice was made to clad the structure in weathered steel to instill a sense of “permanence” with the desert site yet remain relevant as a contemporary design.