Estrella Residence
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Estrella Residence was designed in the context of an extra-urban community, sited adjacent to a traffic intersection. We presented a wall-dominated elevation to passers-by, true to the local vernacular and cohesive with the land. Upon entry, one is invited to experience the expanse of the local landscape, the streetscape left behind. Public and private activities are accommodated in separate wings, and various functions give rhythm to mass and space along a dramatic interior walk. The structure is stitched into the terrain with the only ‘dry-dock’ on the block, a covered portal to nowhere which affords a great sunset view of Baldy Mountain. Construction techniques included the use of an alternative cast-in-place aggregate; giving us the thermal mass of adobe with improved heat retention and reduced cost.
