Architecture in New Mexico              

Nowhere else in the United States are you likely to see such extremes of architectural style as in New Mexico.  New Mexico boasts a higher population of architects per capita than most states.  There are three primary architectural styles in New Mexico:  Pueblo, Territorial, and Northern New Mexico Ranch Style. 

All three styles are commonly seen today.  One can trace the progression from Pueblo to Territorial to Northern New Mexico Ranch by looking at the influences upon the original indigenous population as various settlers and technologies came to New Mexico.

PUEBLO STYLE

Also referred to as Adobe or Santa Fe Style, the Pueblo Style home is derived from the Native American Indians that populated New Mexico before the European Settlers.  The original native structure of earthen walls and flat roofs was adapted through the influence of the Spaniards, the first Europeans to come to New Mexico.
 

The Spaniards brought tools and the technique of forming adobe (mud and straw) into sun dried bricks.  The metal tools aided in the cutting of timber for use in home construction.  Timber led to more spacious living areas and the pueblo style Vigas (rounded log ceiling beams) and Latillas (small branches used as ceiling planking, usually between Vigas) emerged.

The Spaniards also brought the tradition of painting window frames in turquoise, a practice that is still commonly seen throughout New Mexico.  The Spanish derived this tradition from the Moors, who conquered parts of Spain around the tenth century.  It is said that painting your windows and doors turquoise will protect the home from evil spirits.

Bancos (adobe benches), nichos (carved wall openings), portals (patios), courtyards and arches were also derived from the Spanish.  Heavy wooden doors and elaborate corbels (decorative wood beam lying on top of a post) came through the Spaniards from the Moors.

There was a rather surprising Art Deco influence that came to New Mexico with the influx of artists in the 1920s.  The Art Deco detailing is surprisingly complimentary to the Pueblo style.  The Art Deco Society of New Mexico has put together a self-guided walking tour of the Central Business District Pueblo Deco buildings.  For a copy of the tour instructions, email us.  Put "Pueblo Deco" in the subject line of the e-mail and we will forward you a copy.

Today's Pueblo style home can be defined by soft organic lines, rolled corners, rounded parapets, and a variety of other elements derived from the Pueblo Indians, Spaniards and Moors.  The natural earth tones of Saltillo tile or brick floors, the curving archways and sculpted Kiva fireplaces grace the interiors.  However, the essence of the style is the use of natural light, orientation to the sun, and the use of courtyards and exterior space.

TERRITORIAL STYLE

And then the railroads came to New Mexico and brought new building materials including metal for roofs and glass for windows.  The architecture of the East Coast also came and New Mexico was hit with a heavy influence of the Greek Revival Style.

A new fashion called the "Territorial Style" emerged.  Territorial Style details included wood casings around windows and doors topped with pediments that were often painted white, square post porches, and sharp edged parapet walls often decorated with brick coping.  In addition a Victorian influence was seen in window and door borders.

NORTHERN NEW MEXICO RANCH STYLE

This style of home is especially adapted to the high desert, high altitude and high snow accumulation areas.  It has also been termed "High Mountain Pitched Roof Style."  This style is quite common in the East Mountains outside of Albuquerque.

The style can be easily recognized by its pitched-roof homes that are covered by modern metal raised-ridge roofing in every variety of color.  Gables are a common element to these homes.  White trim is often seen on the windows and pueblo wood décor is used on the portal.

Although not as ornate as the Victorian Homes of the East Coast, once again the Victorian influence of the late 1800s is clearly seen in these homes.

OTHER ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

You can find homes built from every material imaginable in New Mexico.  Clever ways of dealing with solar issues, capturing views, and creating fabulous indoor-outdoor spaces are hallmarks of these hybrid styles.

From log homes, dome homes, rammed earth homes, to the extreme homes built with nothing but recycled materials; anything goes, especially in outlying areas.  The outstanding light and climate of New Mexico affords tremendous opportunities for the most contemporary of architectural styles as well. 

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the integration of solar power components into housing is very popular in New Mexico.  PNM, the area's largest power provider, has many solar programs and initiative available for homeowners.
 

We continue to see the influence of other cultures as they permeate New Mexico, but the roots of the Pueblo Indians, Spanish, Moors and Settlers will always be a part of New Mexican architecture.