Rocky Mountain Earth Block Ranch House
Earth Block Ranch House: Residential Design by Elizabeth Hurtado for Colorado Earth LLC. Colorado Earth builds with 'EcoBlox', their branded compressed earth blocks, to emphasize sustainable construction and provide an eco-friendly building solution.
"The house has met and or exceeded our energy and comfort
expectations... warm & comfortable in the winter, cool and dry in
the summer!" ~JC
Date: 2018
Role: Lead Designer
For
their retirement home, the clients sought an environmentally efficient
residence constructed primarily from earth-based materials. In
consideration of passive cooling during the summer, the residence
features 10" thick compressed earth block walls with rigid insulation to
the exterior, contributing to a naturally cool indoor environment. A
masonry-surrounded wood-fired fireplace was incorporated into the design
to provide effective winter heating, utilizing thermal mass to
efficiently and effectively ensure warm and comfortable temperatures in
the colder months. Exposed earthen blocks and wood timber lintels infuse
the interior spaces with a harmonious blend of natural elements.
Outside, the warm hues of rust-toned corrugated panels, complemented by
buff stucco, richly stained wood trim, and artfully arranged boulder
landscaping seamlessly integrate the residence with the breathtaking
Rocky Mountain landscape. This conscientious selection of materials and
design elements underscores the commitment to both sustainability and
aesthetic cohesion in the construction of their home.
