Adobe and Earth Building Specialists
Adobe & Rammed Earth Design in New Mexico
We specialize in Earth Building architecture, working closely with clients to design sustainable, durable, and timeless buildings using regionally appropriate materials. Our specialization includes Adobe and Rammed Earth construction, creating structures that are environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and deeply connected to the New Mexico landscape.
Sustainable, Place-Based Building Materials
Since the earliest human shelters, buildings have been constructed from materials of the land. In New Mexico, Indigenous peoples developed earthen construction methods that evolved from puddled mud into today’s code-approved Adobe construction systems. Many buildings throughout the region continue to be built with Adobe due to its proven durability and performance.
We design with materials that:
- Are sourced from and appropriate to the region
- Perform well over time with minimal environmental impact
- Support long-term durability and energy efficiency
We have experience through multiple projects with both Traditional Adobe other Traditional materials – they are all within reach and in our tool-kit. We do not “push” one or another but listen to Client wishes and correlate the options with the site.
Benefits of Adobe Construction
Adobe is an environmentally friendly building material with exceptional performance characteristics:
- Maintains cool interiors in summer and warmth in winter
- Provides strong thermal mass and stable interior temperatures
- Buffers unwanted noise and external sound
- Offers long-term durability when properly detailed and insulated
- People who live in Adobe and Earth structures love them and will smilingly beg anyone to use these materials!
Adobe is both historic and expressive, allowing sculpted forms that respond to the Owner’s needs. Interior finishes may include natural plasters in a wide range of colors, exposed textures, or whitewashed surfaces.
Adobe will want exterior insulation in most instances which will help buffer extremes of climate. We often combine adobe exterior walls with wood frame interior walls (the wood frame walls use less space).
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Rammed Earth Design & Construction
We also have experience in Rammed Earth design, a modern evolution of traditional earthen building techniques. Rammed Earth combines natural materials with engineered systems to create strong, code-approved walls with striking visual character.
We have experience detailing and constructing Rammed Earth projects and can:
- Guide projects through code approval
- Assist in selecting licensed contractors with appropriate expertise
- Integrate Rammed Earth with modern structural systems
Hybrid Earth Building Systems
Many projects benefit from hybrid construction, combining massive earth walls (Adobe or Rammed Earth) with lighter framed walls. This approach creates buildings that are sculptural, efficient, and adaptable while retaining the natural qualities of earth construction.
Adobe and Rammed Earth can be paired with:
- Traditional wood roof structures
- Contemporary steel roof systems
We help each client determine the best structural solution for their project.
Repair, Rehabilitation & Adaptive Reuse
In addition to new construction, we assist Owners with the repair and rehabilitation of historic Adobe buildings. Adaptive reuse is a core part of our design ethic. We believe existing structures should be respected, repaired, and reused whenever possible rather than discarded.
Reusing well-situated buildings:
- Reduces material waste
- Preserves cultural and architectural history
- Supports sustainable development practices
Our Design Philosophy
Every project is unique. We design by looking at to the land, the materials, and the Owner’s goals. Our aim is to create living spaces that are shaped in sympathy with the environment, resulting in architecture that is natural, enduring, and deeply livable.
We are specialists in Adobe and Rammed Earth architecture and construction, committed to sustainable design and responsible stewardship of the built environment.