32 Avenida Vieja Galisteo, NM 87540

The house and studios sit on five acres of open grassland with spectacular mountain views to the southwest. The Galisteo River, with its continuous ribbon of cottonwood trees, forms the western boundary. The siting accentuates the sense of expansiveness of the land as it slopes toward the bosque along the river.

Galisteo is an old Hispanic village of northern New Mexico. This house, located on the village outskirts, consists of a cluster of four small buildings, reflecting traditional building patterns and shapes. The two pitched roof buildings have simple gables of corrugated metal, one with shed dormers to improve space and light in upstairs rooms. The separation of master bedroom from the house core provides increased privacy between the various parts of the house. Although the house presents a familiar profile in the landscape, the detailing is contemporary. The most important spaces focus on the southwest view. Cottonwood trees shade the large windows facing southwest.

The house responds to its traditional setting while presenting a contemporary, functional, and understated design. Reinforced masonry of 85% recycled Styrofoam and 15% concrete (Rastra) form the exterior walls of the house and studio. These walls are 14” thick, providing excellent insulation while following the characteristic thick walls of traditional New Mexican architecture. The pitched roofs are corrugated steel with a dark gray finish that is visually quiet in the landscape.

There are three small patios delineated by stone walls linking the buildings. Elsewhere the site is left undisturbed. The unbroken expanse of native grasses and shrubs emphasizes the wide-open feel of the Galisteo Basin.

The interior has polished concrete floors, smooth finished gypsum walls and ceilings, and simple cabinetry.