Adobe and Pueblo Style Architecture
Eco-Friendly Earth Homes are the Latest in Home Revival Styles
For thousands of years, the Pueblo (or Adobe,) was a staple home for people living in warmer climates, such as the Southwestern portion of the United States. Beginning in the early 20th century, Pueblo styled homes began to make their comeback and this style of architecture has been gaining steadily in popularity, especially today.
History of Pueblo Architecture
It is estimated that in the 1600s and 1700s, many people in Spain began to build the first of the Pueblo styled homes. Pueblo is Spanish for 'village' and the homes were constructed for multi-family use, similar to an apartment building of today.
However, one could argue that Native Americans were also building 'pueblo' styled homes prior to the first records of the Spaniards. Unfortunately, there is no real way to tell who truly built the first pueblo home.
Construction of Pueblo or Adobe Homes
Pueblo homes are built from a material called 'adobe' which is why the homes are also sometimes referred to as adobe homes. Adobe bricks are generally made using pressed layers of dirt or clay, and regional grasses (such as straw.) Of course, this technique varies from climate to climate and available resources.
Eco-Friendly Architecture
Adobe revival homes are considered to be earth-friendly architecture. This is mainly due to the fact that the construction of these homes includes the use of many natural elements, particularly the sun-dried adobe bricks.
More often than not, these homes are also coated with a layer of mud, which in turn helps protect the inhabitants from the elements and keep the home intact for a longer period of time.
Pueblo Home Revival
In the early 1900s, Pueblo styled homes fashioned from adobe began to make a comeback. Today, they are growing in popularity due to a large effort of many people to 'go green' and become more eco-friendly.
The revival homes are very similar to traditional Pueblo styled homes. They feature the traditional rounded edge walls made with adobe materials. The roofs are flat and make use of spouts to properly deal with rain.
A lot of Pueblo styled homes are being mixed with various styles such as a Mediterranean or Spanish influence. This adds large porches, both open or enclosed as well as newer elaborations and decor.
The modern day Pueblo home makes use of concrete blocks rather than adobe mud bricks. However, they are still commonly covered with other materials such as plaster, stucco, mortar or adobe, if the home owner desires.
Sources:
About.com; "1912-Present: Pueblo Revival Style"
Encyclopedia Britannica; "Pueblo Architecture"
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