Harold and Helena Skow had a traditional Navajo “home build kit” and had already completed a CMU foundation for the traditional rectangular gable-trussed home. The Skows had not finished the house though when Design Build Bluff and students from the Colorado Building Workshop came along. As the students were first touring the site and meeting with clients, they noted Harold wore a large sun hat. When asked about it, Harold commented that, “Everyone should have a sombrero in the desert.” Inspired, the students decided to build the home its own sombrero for shading.
Since a lot of materials were already on hand and a foundation was already completed, the students began their design with this in mind. The Skow Residence was constructed on the original foundation and all the trusses were utilized – but turned upside down.
Related: Inhabitat Interviews Design Build Bluff Founder Hank Louis
The 800 sq ft home is separated into 2 volumes with private bedrooms to the north and public living spaces to the south. Straw bale walls and natural earthen plaster surround the bedrooms to provide thermal mass and protection from the elements. On the south, the living spaces enjoy views of the desert, solar heating in the winter months and shade in the summer. An east entrance and porch provides a shaded zone for outdoor living in the afternoons.
Images © Jesse Kuroiwa
