The Southwest is known for its plethora of weather patterns and climate. Taking these acts of nature into consideration when designing homes is very important if your goal is to build a long-lasting structure. In this article, we will discuss how the climate plays a role in home design.
At Villa Custom Homes, our Southwest style homes in Las Cruces are built using inspiration from the land around us. We build green-friendly houses while keeping the unpredictable climate in mind. If you’re interested in seeing our designs, call us at (575)-650-7377.
Working With Weather
The Southwest has a wide range of climates that need to be taken into consideration when constructing homes. From heavy rainfall and hail to hot days and cold nights, a home needs to be properly prepared to battle the inconsistency. You want a contractor who takes careful consideration of the design for Southwest style homes. Read below for a list of considerations to keep in mind when designing your home.
Sustainable Building Materials
The building materials used play an important part in maintaining sustainability, thermal efficiency, and durability. Organic materials can ensure that the inside stays at an ideal temperature, no matter how extreme the weather is outside. The usage of recycled steel is great for durability, which is vital during hail seasons. If a rammed-earth home sounds appealing to you, we specialize in them!
Managing Water
When designing Southwest style homes, water management needs to be a top priority. Permeable paving and rainwater harvesting are highly recommended design considerations in the desert. Due to the heat and dryness, water is a valuable item and also a concern. Permeable paving reduces stormwater runoff and flooding, which can occur if there is no proper drainage. Additionally, rainwater can be used to harvest in cisterns or storage tanks for future use. This is especially helpful when you’re in the middle of a drought and have little access to water for household appliances or landscaping.
Passive Designs
Carefully placed windows, building orientation, and overhanging eaves are great design ideas that regulate indoor temperatures and enhance energy efficiency. Placing your windows in strategically thought-out spots can bring in natural air flow and ventilation. Proper building orientation can reflect/minimize sunlight exposure and catch wind drafts. Similarly, overhanging eaves can create cool spots near doors and windows and reduce hot spots. Vegetative landscaping is another aesthetically pleasing example. Native plants can provide natural insulation, which reduces the risk of heat islands.
Our Las Cruces-based company specializes in rammed-earth homes. If you’re looking for a Southwest style home that is climate-friendly, rammed earth is the way to go. They are a practical choice for desert climates and have benefits like:
- Noise reduction
- Thermal mass
- Eco-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Fire resistant
- Durable/Long-lasting
- Pest resistant
Southwest Style Homes in Las Cruces
At Villa Custom Homes, we build Southwest style homes in Las Cruces while keeping the ever-changing climate in mind. We incorporate safety precautions without sacrificing your dream design. To hear more, call us today at (575)-650-7377!