Southwest Housing Traditions: Design, Materials,
Performance (May 2005, 218 p)
This publication, released in August 2005, assesses the relevance
of traditional Southwestern building designs and materials
for the contemporary housing needs of low-income residents
of U.S.-Mexico border communities. While affordable housing
is a unique challenge in these localities due to climate,
geography, and lack of an advanced infrastructure, traditional
Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo housing in the Southwest
reflects ages-old experience in developing housing that meets
these challenges.
This research focuses on identifying traditional home construction
methods and materials that will maximize scarce resources,
be cost-competitive, and use energy efficiently. The report
contains case studies of architectural design used in traditional
Southwestern housing. Pictures and diagrams illustrate centuries-old
design principles for building in the desert. Methods used
in erecting walls of adobe, rammed earth, and straw bales
are detailed and illustrated, along with a review of foundation
and roof systems. It contains results of testing the structural
and thermal performance of different wall systems. Finally,
the study offers prototypes of contemporary designs, based
on traditional principles, for a typical affordable home.
Prototypes are shown within the context of neighborhood plans
that illustrate possible densities, arrangements, and public
spaces. This is a useful tool for making adaptations to widely
accepted construction techniques.
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