Jemez, NM

This 1400 square foot home provides a weekend getaway and eventual retirement home amid the spectacular red cliffs of the Jemez Valley.

Passive solar gain and owner-installed solar thermal provide all heating; natural ventilation and a rarely-used evaporative cooler provide cooling. The large carport on the west side shades the home in the afternoon and serves as outdoor shop space. The owner made all the ceramic accent tiles used in the kitchen and bath.

The spiral stair on the north side leads to a small study and 1/2 bath, along with an outdoor summer sleeping loft. During the design phase, we erected scaffolding on site to assess whether that view warranted the expense of a second story. It did.