Construction Materials In Taos Homes Reflect Passion For Green Building

Situated in the shadow of the Taos Pueblo, a thousand-year-old adobe dwelling

, the city of Taos, New Mexico, has become an epicenter for "green" real estate design. In addition to being known as an artsy community, residents of this New Mexico city are also very committed to protecting the environment. Eco-responsible home construction using a variety of alternative building materials is one of the hallmarks of Taos real estate.

Adobe structures have been present in Taos for hundreds of years. This building material is still commonly used in new construction as well. Adobe is made of a combination of 15 percent to 30 percent clay, chopped straw, dirt and water. It is then formed into bricks using frames and later dried in the sun. Although this centuries-old process is very labor-intensive and can be expensive, the resiliency of adobe makes it a cost-effective choice. Because adobe can be formed into many shapes and sizes, it lends itself to being used in the creation of structures with diverse architectural styles. Houses reflecting the traditional Native American style of the region are a common sight, as are more elaborate modern designs.

Earthships, a uniquely Taos form of construction, are erected using recycled tires packed with earth as the primary building blocks for the outside walls. The filled tires are stacked like bricks and formed into a horseshoe shape. Interior surfaces are generally covered with adobe or cement for further insulation and to render the tires invisible. Re-using material that would normally languish in a landfill is a significant benefit to the environment. The minimal cost of these recycled tires is, of course, attractive to homeowners. In addition, earthships are situated and styled to maximize natural light, and their thermal mass construction regulates indoor temperatures naturally. Many of these properties also utilize water catchment systems, and most function independently of either electrical, gas or sewer hook-ups.

Straw bale is also popular as an eco-friendly material used to build or insulate Taos homes. It is an easy-to-use product providing insulation that exceeds the requirements of most North American building codes, and it is also highly fire-resistant. Plastered on both sides to keep moisture out, straw bale is commonly used as fill within a typical post and beam construction, though sometimes it is used as a main component of load-bearing walls.

Rastra blocks are another type of material that uses recycled substances that would otherwise not break down in landfills. These blocks are composed of recycled, post-consumer polystyrene (Styrofoam) mixed with cement. The advantage of Rastra blocks is that they are a very flexible building material that can be formed into many designs and shapes, and can be used to erect structures up to five stories high. The blocks are made in a standard size (10 inches thick by 15 inches high by 7.5 feet long) and fit together similar to the construction of log homes. The outer surfaces of most of these structures are stuccoed, while the interior walls are covered with plaster.

Whether using adobe bricks, straw bales, Rastra blocks or recycled tires, all of these materials have a high thermal mass, meaning no additional insulation is required in the exterior walls. This not only cuts down on construction costs but also utility bills for the homeowners. These building materials are also highly durable. Taos, New Mexico homes are easily customized to suit the tastes and specific needs of anyone purchasing eco-friendly real estate.

by: Stephen Daniels

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