DINING ROOM VIEW - MOSCA PEAK AT DAWN

COURTYARD IN LATE SUMMER

ROAD DOWN THE HILL

© Marie Leslie Photography (click for details)

CAREY AND PAT - MARRIED AT CASA MANZANO

DINING ROOM FIREPLACE

Building Structure

Casa Manzano is a state-of-the-art, environmentally-advanced structure: the exterior walls are straw-bale; the ceilings in the main house are R-panels and the south wall is trombe, passive solar. Besides the well, water is collected from a roof-catchment system. Many of the interior walls are compressed straw. The house is warmed by radiant heat--plastic pipes of hot water that run through the floors. Because the insulation in the walls and ceiling are so advanced, the heat in the house is always even and comfortable. The only cooling ever needed is provided by ceiling fans. This also allows for large double-pane windows that keep the house bright and cheerful.

The walls in the house are plastered with unpainted Structolite. The floors are Mexican Saltillo tile. The doors are all hand-made in New Mexico. The building is a careful synthesis of traditional Southwest materials and innovative contemporary advances.