Karcher/Chavez Residence

Double wall system in Compressed Earth Block construction, direct gain, tromb walls, sun space, solar electric system w/ grid back up, roof water harvesting, earthen floors, light clay insulation in roof, earthen plasters

Las Colonias, Taos, NM; owner–builder project

Renovated in 2007 with the following upgrades:

• -new concrete floor w/ in- floor radiant heat provided by solar hot water and high efficiency condensing boiler as backup
• solar electric grid intertie (net metering system)
• new kitchen with all Energy Star appliances
• natural colored clay alises (clay slip) over earthen walls by Carol Crews, Gourmet Adobe
• artistic floor finish using acrylic floor paints by Larin Schurman, Adornos

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