Home Description

Water System:rnThe well existed when the property was last purchased. A local well driller was hired to measure the depth, determine the flow, and amount of standing water. They found that the first 16 ft. were cased with 6" PVC and after that the well was drilled through solid granite, making it unnecessary for further casing. The depth is 280' with a strong flow at the bottom of the well between 10 and 15 gallons per minute. The well has 140; of standing water. The water was tested at Los Alamos National Laboratory Water Quality Group and was found pure and free of contaminants. The taste is equal to salable spring water. Two direct current solar panels on a sun tracker power a solar pump. This efficient pump, small enough to pull up by hand, not only pumps from a depth fo 100 ft., but also pumps uphill to a 1200 gallon cistern which gravity feeds to the house where yet another AC solar system powers a jet pump that gives a pressurized system throughout the house and property. Water is always assured. Electric power from grid, phone, gas line from 500 gallon propane tank, are all underground to the house. There are several ranch style frost free hydrants throughout the property.rnrnBuilding SiternMuch time was spent locating a perfect location for construction. A building site was chosen that sloped moderately to the south making it ideal for a solar oriented house. Great care was taken for the excavation of the house foundation, driveways, septic system and trenching. The feeling of living in the middle of an unspoiled environment is enhanced by the close proximity of undisturbed nature. The angle of the terrain was enough to decide on the cut and fill approach to excavation rather than clearing a large building pad. In this way, the foundation was placed into the side of the slope, near the top of a cocky ridge, among some large trees. Having the house tucked into the side of a hill has several advantages. Being a two story, it has a lower profile, also the house has less temperature fluctuation both summer and winter due to half of the first story below grade. rnThe views from the house and decks are all different because the house sits at different levels in relation to the lay of the land. The south has an unobstructed view of national forest with ever changing sky scape and treetops that meet with the distant horizon. To the west, the view is similar with a few local peaks amongst a sea of green. North, one looks out on local flora, fungi, and pinon at eye level which gives a feeling of closeness to the earth in pleasant contrast to the infinite vistas to the south and west. It is possible from the kitchen or from the bathroom to sneak views over the ridge to the colorful peaks of the Gila and beyond. To the east, the sunrise filters through the delicate branches of a large juniper that grows against the covered porch. The first light is welcome to the early riser who happens to be in the kitchen or at the oversized dining table after unexpected overnight snow.rnThis type of straw bale house is referred to as a hybrid. This simply means that there is a mix of adobes and bale walls that form the house. The North, East, and West are infill straw bale and the south is adobe brick, to capture the suns heat. rnJanice Vasscot a Santa Fe architect was hired to design and draw the plans for the house. She was instrumental in having New Mexico construction industries and the state-ratify straw bale construction as a legal building system. Vasscot has since become the foremost straw bale designer and architect in the southwest. She is on the board of “Last Straw,” an international organization promoting this type of construction world wide.rnrnrnMuch attention was put into the proportions of the walls and windows, as they relate to the overall size and shape of the structure. Dormers eves porches decks surround the house. This becomes obvious as one views the house from all directions. The house has a well designed look without embellishments to detract from the well proportioned form of the structure. The house is a unique mix of contemporary and period styles. These styles are skillfully blended so that one enchants the other, rather than looking like random conglomerate of styles. The roof design is an example of both styles well blended. It is a modified full hip roof, sometimes called a California hip. The hip ridges do not extend all the way to the peak thus creating a ridge running east-west. Undersized gables are naturally formed by this configuration. At the top the gable, a pair of triangular windows, on both east and west add light as well as a contemporary touch. On the large north and south wall shed dormers with three, six panel true divided light barn sash windows, give the house a traditional feel. rnA structural engineer was consulted to design the roof framing without trusses or collar ties. This gives an obstructed view of ceiling with natural light from gable and dormer windows reflecting off the many pleasing angles of this well executed room design. A dark green lifetime metal roof was chosen for local aesthetics and the green metal clad wood windows are a perfect match.rnThe house is two and a half stories with a large loft and main floor level. The design works well with a family. There are two areas where the family can be together; the great room, the loft and even the large kitchen provides an ample environment for any family. The lower level allows for kids to have their own privacy. rnThe construction by New Mexico State code must be post and beam. The posts are 16 by 16 reinforced concrete. The beams are mirolams with an exposed 6 by 15 by 22 ridge beam. The walls are 18 inches thick; two string construction grade with straw bale as infill, R-40 rated. The roof is constructed 2 by 12 with R-39 insulation.rnThe floor plan is well though out, simple, yet with all the square footage well utilized. The lower level is has: a large family room, large bed room with adjoining bath, a laundry room, small bed room, and large storage area with two mechanical rooms. The second floor has: a kitchen, bath, master bedroom under the loft, and the remaining portion of the second floor is a great room and dining area.rnrnKitchen rnrnThe kitchen is the right size for a family with use for plenty of counter and cabinet space. The cabinets are white oak stained dark green. The uppers have long narrow doors with leaded antique glass. Thennel between the glass is burnished copper which matches the hand made hood and copper edge on the counters. The counter tops are beige porcelain tiles with 4 by 4 locally hand made tiles as a back splash over the sink and stove. A split pantry offers one side for food and the other for house hold items. There a built in side by side refrigerator, stainless gas cook top, self-cleaning connection oven and a matching Maytag dishwasher. The ceiling features 4 by 6 beams with pine decking. Tucked behind the beamy is halogen track lighting. rnOn the north wall is a turn of the century wood cook stove, in excellent condition but un-restored as it does work well. On the south side of the kitchen there is a peninsula counter with higher counter that creates a small space on the kitchen side. On the dining side a thick oak counter that can be used to stand and eat or chat (as a bar). This gives the kitchen more definition from dinning while still having an open floor plan feeling.rnrnBathrnrnThe bath layout is designed so that several people can be performing different tasks with a certain amount of space and privacy. At the north end an oversized claw foot tub in excellent condition, has new reproduction fixtures with a spray house. This sits under a 3 by 4 tempered glass window with the top one third an awning window which provides ventilation. At the other end of the bath is a 4 by 5 two person all tile shower, with a clear glass door that features custom tile work. The vanity tops are marble with two period sinks. The trim and mirrors are Victorian. Also a linen closet helps define the different areas. rnrnLower LevelrnrnThe lower level has a more traditional layout. A winding staircase leads down from the second floor into a large family area, with saltio tile floor and carpet under the stair case closet. From the family room one can step outside to the ground level and have long views to the south covered by the 800 square foot deck above. Two bedrooms a laundry room and large storage room area are also accessible from the family room area. The west bedroom has windows on the west and south and a patio door that exits to the west. It also has a full master bath with extensive decorative Mexican tile also with a spacious walk in closet. The laundry room had a closet and a rare deep antique porcelain sink with original facets. There are counters, cabinet drawers, and a hamper that leads to the upstairs bathroom. Beyond is a large storage are and two separate mechanical rooms. To house solar equipment & pressured tank and boiler.rnrnThe Great RoomrnrnThe main entrance of the house is on the east up a short flight of stairs on to an extensive deck covered with high ceiling on the east, and is open and expansive on the south with room enough to party. One enters directly to the dining area of the Great Room without foyer or hall giving a feeling or immediate openness. The term “Great Room” is not an exaggeration, as one notices the many features all at once. To your left a flight of hand crafted oak stairs leads down to the lower level. To your immediate right is a well appointed kitchen, tucked under the loft which gives a feeling or country living and intimacy. As compared to the 21 foot ceilings of the Great Room, with its many different angles which reflects light from dormers and triangular windows on gable ends. There are views in the four directions; all different with large 3' by 6' double hung windows. Set at eight feet making it necessary to have transom windows above the exterior doors to match the height of the windows. In the two directions two windows are ganged together making a 6 by 6 view to the surrounding mountains. The windows are low E wood metal clad with vertical mullion giving a period look. rnThere are many features to notice; the thickness of the walls as seen by depth of the windows and door. The adobe plaster smoothed with flecks of gold colored mica artfully rolled into the exterior openings. On the south wall between two windows is a large hand built Rumford style fire place with a Victorian antique mantle and art deco fire screen. rnrnrnrnrnrnThe floor is natural oiled red oak, expertly laid and finished. The interior doors are solid pine, paneled with genuine full mortise antique hardware with ceramic door knobs. There are two large fans set 14 feet above the floor. There is an oak stair case that leads up to the 500 foot loft with plenty of ceiling height and closets with hand built beaded paneled doors. The banister railings and naul posts were locally crafted and all spindles hand turned. From the loft one has a view of the Great Room with fire place below. To the north and sough through dormer windows one looks over tree tops to the distant high mountains of the Gila Wilderness. The floor is two inch bunge & grove ponderosa pine. There is a built in adobe bookshelf, that divides the actual staircase from the loft giving the west end of the loft more privacy. Under the west end of the loft is a bed room with patio doors that lead to a private covered deck. The Great Room 33 by 16 has ample square footage to accommodate a 12 foot formal dining table seating for ten. The large grouping of sofas and overstuffed chairs in front of the fire place. A patio door leads from the dining area to the large sough deck.rnrnComputer, Phone, and CablernrnThere are excessive amounts of out lets for computer, phone, and T.V.’s, throughout the house. The phone system is a category five wiring which are 8 pairs of wires for each circuit. This is the highest speed wired to date for home use. The system has its own circuit breaker box which allows for unlimited possibilities in switching computer and phone lines. For instance a scanner or printer can be in separate rooms from other computer components by simply changing these small breakers. This system has the capability of eight separate phone and computer lines. This makes the house ideal for several people to work from the home with all the phone and computer lines they would ever need. Also ready for installation is a Comcast satellite computer dish which delivers the fastest internet service available. The house is pre-wired for cable with six separate lines.rnThe cable system has an in and out line on each receptacle. This eliminates the need for a cable box in each room, the phone, computer and cable lines are generously placed about the house; some rooms have two outlets. rnrnThe Septic SystemrnrnThe septic system is a hybrid standard leach line system. This ground is porous enough to allow for adequate percolation. This eliminates the need for a more expensive and maintenance intensive system. From the large fiber glass septic tank two separate infiltrator lines lead 200 feet away from the house. These infiltrators are newly developed to disperse moisture in all directions. This is a great improvement from the traditional perforated pipe. The ground was tested by the EPA for percolation and the whole system was inspected by the state before it was covered.rnrnThe Heating SystemrnrnThe back up heating system is propane fired, and the house is hot water base board heat. Both efficient and quiet which is used only on occasion due to the solar orientation of the house and incredible insulation; factor of the straw bale walls.

What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?

1. Post & Beam constructionrn2. Strawbale and adobe infillrn3. utilizies earth covered lower floor wall.rn4. Solar system installed including solar power to well. rnrnPlease note the folowing:rn rnThe house has a few other features worth mentioning. rnrn• It has a sophisticated photo voltic solar system which is capable of powering a third of the house which translates to savings on rates or it can be used as a back up emergency system when the power goes off.rnrn• On three sides of the house are decks and covered porches with copper spindle railings. One can either follow the sun or shade depending on the time of year.rnrn• Much care was taken in construction not to disturb trees and plants. This idea paid off nicely, it eliminated the need for either extensive landscaping or more often the case with much local new construction, having only a view of a huge area around the house denuded of anything but rocks and dirt.rnrn• Also rock gardens, native plants, trees and shrubs have been adding giving a feeling of stepping from the house into the national forest.rnrn• One has to search through the trees to view even one distant house.rnrn• Electric bills are under $50.00 dollars a month.rnrn• Propane bill is $40.00 a month for the whole year

Neighborhood Description

Environs:rnTo travel to the Burro Mts. Is an enjoyable scenic thirty minute drive from the newly rediscovered Silver City. As you leave Silver, Hwy 180 climbs 6500' to the Continental Divide and then gradually descends to Mangus Valley through typical New Mexico chaparral with many varieties of grasses, yucca, cactus and junipers. The views to the south are of, often snow-capped high peaks of the Gila wilderness and ahead are the many layered mountain ranges of southwest New Mexico and Arizona. Now the way turns south on Mangus Valley Rd. to Redrock Rd. where it steadily ascends into the heart of the historic Burro Mts. The desert scenery now gives way to a more forest environment. As the road continues to climb the trees grow larger with many species of oaks, continues to climb the trees grow larger with many species of oaks, evergreens, and native shrubs. One needs to be alert for wildlife: deer, elk, javelina, coyote, and many rabbits are commonly seen, fox, Mexican gray wolf, bobcat, mountain lion, and bear are more of a rare occurrences but do live in this eco system. At the turn of the century, the last of the Apaches were hiding in the thick forests and deluded the S troops for years. There was also successful gold mining and there are remains of mines and ghost towns to explore. The Burro Mts. Are part of the Gila National Forest with a few ranches throughout. One of these ranches, The Flying A Ranch was divided into ten acres lot in the early 1970's; therefore the entire subdivision is surrounded by national forest thus eliminating any further development. There are approximately one hundred families living in Oakgrove subdivision which has its own well equipped fire station and volunteer fire dept. Due to the nature of a pinon, juniper forest, it is impossible for a fast moving crown fire to ignite. At times, lightning will start a grass fire that creeps along the ground. These fires are allowed to burn and seldom destroy trees. This forest service policy creates a healthier, safer forest. The property is, of course, typical of the terrain and foliage of the national forest that surrounds it. It has trees up to 35' with arroyos small and large and some ridges with rock outcroppings of white quartz. There is a lifetime of wood gathering for the fireplace and wood cook stove. There is a sturdy outhouse that was used during construction and is now used for storage. rnThe 10 acres with house for sale is in the southwest corner of the subdivision, which means it borders the national forest on the south and a ranch on the west. Diamond A Dr. Ends after several more homes, which offers even more sense of seclusion and privacy. rnHiking is unlimited and remote, rather that trails, sandy arroyos offer avenues for exploring. Just another 100' in elevation gives the habitat for large ponderosa pine which there are two on the property. rnThe soil is decomposed granite with color varying from rose to orange. The ground rarely becomes muddy due to granular granite composite, which eliminates the need for gravel or blacktop and gives a more natural landscape for parking and walkways and driveways. A driveway comes very close to the front entry. Also, an area for two cars, behind trees, within 25 yards affords parking that is not seen from the house. The driveway in the from of the house, when not sed for parking looks natural. Additional parking for several more vehicles is close by and also hidden from view.

Market Area

Silver city new mexico fast growing as an arts community and a true distination for world class travelers and atheletes. Most people that relocate are captivated by the diverse ecology of the area, as seen in traveling here through Sonoran High Desert and with-in a few miles being in Ponderosa forest at 7000' elevation.

Home Type or Land

Other

Location of Home or Land

Rural

Elevation of Home

Mountain