ARCHELLO YOUR CONNECTION WITH ARCHITECTURE

Designed by Allegretrti Architects, Desert Shadow is a 2,100 square-foot custom home nearing completion near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The home is carved into a gentle hillside at a remote 40-acre property just a few miles from the historic Turquoise Trail. One hundred percent of the structure’s energy needs will be supplied by off-grid methods. Primary among these methods is an array of photovoltaic panels providing 5 KW of power. These panels are connected to a bank of very large capacity batteries. Extreme efficiency in electrical design and the owner’s highly conscious lifestyle allow this system to supply all of the home’s electrical needs.

Other sustainable features will include passive solar space heating, rainwater harvesting, permaculture landscaping, and solar heating for domestic water. Walls will be insulated to R-40 and roofs to R-80. Advanced framing and building techniques will further reduce energy use through conservation at the building envelope. The design anticipates a HERS rating below 50 and qualifies for a New Mexico state tax credit.