Author: JeanneAdmin

Far Niente: A Masterpiece by Santa Fe Home Builders and Architects

Posted on by JeanneAdmin

Introduction

We are thrilled to present Far Niente, a custom-built green and sustainable home in Santa Fe. This project, a collaboration between the renowned WAMO Studio Architects and the adept Palo Santo Designs, exemplifies a unique blend of the owner’s vision and Santa Fe’s architectural ethos.

Design Philosophy: Santa Fe Architect’s Vision

The architectural design of Far Niente, crafted by Santa Fe architects, features:

  • Contemporary Santa Fe Style: Emphasizing stucco walls, parapet roofs, and an orientation that captures the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
  • Old-World Craftsmanship: The home’s interior showcases plastered walls that play with New Mexico’s light, creating depth and character.
  • Modernist Architecture: Clean lines and tranquil forms pay homage to Santa Fe’s pueblo revival architecture, with notable features like exposed beam ceilings and open covered portals.

Far Niente: The Essence of Santa Fe Living

Named after the Italian phrase ‘dolce far niente’, meaning the sweetness of doing nothing, Far Niente is a tribute to the laid-back lifestyle of Santa Fe. Living here offers:

  • Clean air and sunshine
  • Majestic mountain views
  • Rich wildlife and diverse flora
  • Opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, and skiing
  • A dynamic play of light across a high desert landscape
  • A small modern house in the desert, brilliantly designed by an architect.
  • A Santa Fe-inspired patio with chairs and a fire pit.
  • A modern home with a fire pit in the backyard, designed by a Santa Fe architect.

Collaboration with Robert Reck Photography

Our partnership with Robert Reck Photography, a highly acclaimed name in New Mexico architectural photography, has beautifully captured the essence of Far Niente. Visit Robert Reck Photography for a glimpse into this exquisite property.

  • A Santa Fe-inspired living room with a fireplace and a breathtaking view of the mountains.
  • A Santa Fe home designer created a bathroom with a bathtub featuring views of the desert.
  • A bathroom with two sinks and a tub, expertly crafted by a skilled Santa Fe home builder.
  • A modern hallway with a circular light fixture designed by an architect.
  • A bathroom designed by an architect with a shower and a sink.
  • A beautifully designed bedroom with a stunning view of the mountains, created by an architect.
  • A large living room with a fireplace and a view of the mountains, designed by a Santa Fe home designer.
  • A Santa Fe style living room designed by an architect with a fireplace and a view of the desert.
  • A Santa Fe style living room with large windows and a fireplace designed by a home builder or architect.
  • A Santa Fe living room with a view of the mountains, designed by a home designer.
  • A dining room designed by an architect with a view of the mountains.
  • Keywords used: home builder, contractor Description: A contemporary kitchen with a marble counter top designed and built by a skilled home builder and contractor.
  • A modern kitchen designed by an architect, with a view of the mountains.

Home Specifications

As a premier Santa Fe home builder, we proudly detail Far Niente’s features:

  • Stunning Location: Perched on a bluff near the Rio Grande Gorge.
  • Home Layout: A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom main house with a detached studio, totaling nearly 3000 square feet.
  • Unique Amenities:
    • Entry courtyard
    • Two large covered portals
    • West-facing star gazers courtyard with an outdoor firepit
    • Detached studio with expansive views of the Western Jemez Mountains

In conclusion, Far Niente stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of Santa Fe architects and home builders, offering an idyllic retreat for those seeking the serenity of Santa Fe’s landscape and lifestyle.

Stucco and the Santa Fe Style:

Posted on by JeanneAdmin

A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Building a custom home in Santa Fe? Chances are, you’ll be considering stucco finishes for the exterior of your home. If you’re new to the desert Southwest, stucco might be a first-time experience for you, despite having seen it on various commercial buildings elsewhere.

The Prevalence of Stucco in Santa Fe

In Santa Fe, stucco is more than just common—it’s the norm. Virtually every residence in the city and county features stucco as its primary exterior finish.

What is Stucco?

Stucco is a cementitious exterior cladding, generally applied manually using trowels. The application process usually involves 2-3 coats to achieve the desired texture, often a sponged finish for a sandy look.

Technical Aspects of Stucco

Not Structural or Weatherproof

Contrary to some beliefs, stucco is solely an aesthetic cladding; it neither provides structural integrity nor acts as a weatherproof barrier. These roles are fulfilled by other systems integrated into the wall.

Addressing Cracks

Cracks in stucco shouldn’t be a cause for alarm as long as your wall system is properly constructed with the necessary structural and weatherproofing elements.

Warranty and Maintenance

  • Limited lifespan with differing warranty periods depending on the manufacturer.
  • Subject to routine maintenance and eventual replacement.
  • Recommended biennial inspection by a stucco contractor, or sooner if issues arise.

Aesthetic Opportunities

Infinite Color Options

Stucco offers a multitude of color choices, particularly in synthetic systems. Custom color matching is also available, similar to paint.

Traditional vs Synthetic

While traditional cement-only stuccos offer fewer color options, synthetic elastomeric stucco finishes have largely supplanted them for their durability, longevity, and color variety.

Making the Right Color Choice

Guidelines and Restrictions

  • Check architectural guidelines if building in a Home Owners Association area.
  • Be aware of city or county zoning restrictions on color.

Factors to Consider

  • Complementing exterior windows and doors.
  • Compatibility with other exterior elements like wood or steel.
  • Coordination with external flooring and lighting fixtures.

Final Thoughts

Working closely with your architect and builder will enable you to design a cohesive and stunning exterior color palette, with stucco acting as the unifying element.

For further insights into custom home design, exteriors, or stucco, feel free to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you.

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