Desert Shadow – Swapping a Yurt for a Luxury Home

New Mexico is famous for its sustainable projects. You might remember my recent article about adobe homes. Here’s a brand new project designed by Allegretti Architects. It’s a 100% off-the-grid sustainable house called Desert Shadow.

It is a 2,100 sq ft custom home now under construction near Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s located in the heart of a secluded 40-acre plot where the green home will be carved into a gentle hillside.

When they say 100% off-the-grid, they mean it – the energy will be generated by a block of photovoltaic elements that will provide 5KW of electrical power. According to the architect, that’s enough for this type of house because it is going to be very efficient.

Other sustainable features include passive solar space heating solar water heating, rainwater harvesting and a unique permaculture landscaping. The house will be insulated to high standards – R-40 for the walls and R-80 for the roof. Advanced building techniques will ensure that the project can qualify for HERS rating of above 50 which is enough to receive a New Mexico state tax credit for green buildings.

The owner of the Santa Fe plot is known for his green activities. The family has been living on the same plot for 20 years in something that is probably as green as possible – a yurt. Having decided that it was time to move on and make a change from this nearly nomadic lifestyle.

Look at the floorplan of the ground floor. It’s a very interesting layout with a central open-plan part and two distinctive wings. Those wave-like wall structures makes a great flow.

The house should feel very cosy – houses like this generally are, compared to conventional box-like rooms with sharp corners.

Pics © Greg Allegretti