How to Create an Organic Pueblo-Style Home That Fits Your Modern Lifestyle

There is something unmistakable about the Southwest. From mystical rock formations of the desert landscape to the stunning architecture that compliments the natural surroundings. 

The earliest inhabitants of what is now the American Southwest inspired an architectural style that continues to be widespread across New Mexico and Arizona hundreds of years later. 

The indigenous Pueblo peoples created homes featuring sun-dried adobe bricks, flat roofs, and exposed wooden beams called vigas. This style is as relevant to today’s desert residents as they were then because the Pueblo people understood how to work with the land around them.

The modern version of the original Pueblo buildings grew in popularity throughout the Southwest in the early 1900s, and soon became the regional style of northern New Mexico. These buildings made of adobe and stucco with curved entryways, strong vigas, and beautiful courtyards were referred to as Pueblo-Revival or Santa Fe-style designs. 
Local to the American Southwest, Urban Design Associates built on the connection between the Pueblo Revival and the natural beauty of the desert landscape to create their signature Organic Pueblo homes. The traditional materials and architectural elements of the Organic Pueblo style makes for an updated authentic and elegantly rustic home perfect for the modern homeowner looking to establish roots from Sedona to Santa Fe.

Include Materials Built For the Southwest Climate

Today’s luxury homeowner cares as much about the environmental footprint of their residence as its amenities. Homes built in the Organic Pueblo style use materials that prioritize practicality and comfort, while also being innately environmentally friendly.

Homes in this Southwest architectural style feature adobe bricks like the original dwellings built by the Pueblo people, and not just for nostalgia. Adobe is slow to absorb heat, making the homes cooler inside for longer. The bricks also are slow to release the heat from the Southwest climate, helping to keep homes warm during cooler evenings.

Traditional Pueblo Revival-style homes have stucco exterior cladding. Stucco is a mixture of cement, sand, water and lime that is applied wet and dries into a dense solid. This versatile and low-maintenance wall covering is extremely durable and, if applied correctly, can last for decades without repairs. Stucco is also highly customizable with a variety of textures and application techniques. It doesn’t provide much in the way of insulation, allowing the heat from the adobe bricks to escape, putting less pressure on the air conditioning system.

The low-maintenance style continues inside the home. Rarely will you find carpet in a Pueblo Revival-style home. Instead, colorful tile, worn stones, or elegant wood flooring mirrors the packed earth of the original Pueblo homes.

Highlight Traditional Pueblo Architecture Characteristics

From the organic lines throughout the home to the traditional kiva fireplaces adorning the gathering spaces, the Organic Pueblo designs reflect the warm and welcoming characteristics of the traditional architectural style. 

Pueblo Revival-style homes have the iconic flat roofs and strong wooden vigas across the ceiling. Most doorways are rounded, continuing the flowing lines, and gathering spaces often include built-in benches called “bancos.”

UDA’s signature Organic Pueblo style incorporates the flowing and natural movement into the design. The Estancia Pueblo home in Northern Scottsdale was inspired by the surrounding desert and features curved walls that seem to undulate from room to room. The floorplan moves effortlessly between indoor and outdoor living, with large glass walls and French doors that allow the mystique of the environment to flow throughout the property.

Organic Pueblo designs incorporate generous gathering spaces, inviting guests to gather around the kiva fireplace. Most Pueblo-style homes include a courtyard, typically outside the home or sometimes in the middle, where families and friends can enjoy an evening under the stars.

Use Colors That Mirror the Landscape

With materials such as adobe and stucco that are naturally neutral, Pueblo-style homes are known for blending well into the landscape. Homeowners often continue this theme by including colors seen across the stunning Sonoran desert. 

Start with a majority of earth tones, such as umber, tan, and sage, to reflect the sand and drought-friendly vegetation throughout the Southwest. With brilliant sunsets on display every evening, you’ll often find yellows and reds incorporated into the Pueblo Revival-style, along with a pop of bright blue or turquoise. Terracotta tiles commonly dot the interior design and terracotta pots may appear outside holding an array of cacti and agave plants.

This traditional architectural style also incorporates natural textures as well as colors. Hand-troweled stucco is reminiscent of rolling sand dunes. Inside, the walls and furniture are often adorned with natural materials such as suede, worn stone, leather, and woven textures.

Your Own Santa Fe-Style Inspired Luxury Home

Whether you appreciate the traditional aesthetic of the Organic Pueblo style or you are drawn to creating a home that is in harmony with its surroundings, this design approach has all the amenities a modern luxury custom home should have. Combine the abundant natural light and beautiful organic lines with state-of-the-art technology and enough space to entertain your friends and family, you will have a space you’ll love coming home to.

When you are ready to start planning your Organic Pueblo-style home, turn to the custom home architects that have perfected this design style. Contact UDA Ltd. today to tell us about your dream project in Sedona, Santa Fe, Scottsdale, or wherever you wish to create a connection between your ideal lifestyle and the land.