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In the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas you will find homes of almost every style, traditional, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Country and more. A more common style of home in Albuqeurque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico is the adobe or pueblo style home, these homes evolve from the rich Native American influences in these areas. Most New Mexico homes contain the rich Southwest Architecture throughout the home. Below you will find explanations of the Southwest Architectural teminology.
Banco: A bench covered by plaster or stucco often adjoining a kiva fireplace; benches built into or jutting out of the wall. Found in many Placitas and Corrales, NM homes.
Canales: Water canals or run-offs on the "flat" or pueblo roofs. They may be just holes at roof level or the may be of carved wood with tin or copper liners to spout the water from the roof. Seen on contemporary New Mexican Style construction.
Corbel: A wooden support between posts or beams, often carved or cut in a decorative fashion.
Evaporative Cooler: An evaporative cooler cools by adding moisture to the air. Due to low humidity, this form of cooler works efficiently in the dry atmosphere of New Mexico. It cools by passing water over pads which cool the air. This air is then circulated through the house. Unlike an refrigerated air conditioning system, you control air flow by slightly opening windows to allow the air to flow out of the house. A traditional way of cooling Albuqerque, NM homes.
Horno: Freestanding adobe bread oven found at most pueblos and Indian homes.
Kiva Fireplace: Traditionally, kivas are beehive-shaped and placed in the corner of a room. They typically have low hearths, rising 6 to 10 inches above the floor, and have no applied mantel. They can be gas log or wood-burning. Found in most Rio Rancho, Placitas adobe style homes.
Latillas: Small branches used as ceiling planking, made of Aspen, pine or cedar. Beautifully accents this Albuquerque, NM home.
Lintel: Exposed beam above windows, doors, or gates.
Nichos: An recessed area in the wall used to display artwork, pottery or other ornamentation.
Portal: A covered porch or patio, often running the entire length of the building or between two wings, is supported by vertical posts, often topped with corbels or zapatas. Vigas or milled beams provide the top structure, extending from the side walls of the main structure.
Ramada: Like a portal, this structure provides shelter from the elements and is built of posts and beams, and though the top has openings to the sky, it is often covered to provide storage. Unlike a portal, a ramada is detached from and set apart from the house.
Rista: A string of chilis or garlic traditionally found in Albuquerque, NM kitchens. Now used as decorations as well.
Saltillo tile: Simple fired red clay tile made in Saltillo, Mexico. Add elegance to this Albuquerque, Nm home.
Talavera tile: Colorful hand-decorated Mexican tile used for counter tops and trim. Shown accentuating the stairs of a Rio Rancho, NM home.
Viga: A beam used as roof supports or as a decorative ceiling beam used in the interior of a home.
Copyright © 2007 New-Mexico-Homes.info Jeannette Rigor. All Rights Reserved.
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