Southwestern Architecture and Style. Part 1
To begin with I think that we should look at the roots to get a grasp on the southwestern architecture and style and I ran this article that helps do just that aptly named The Southwestern Style Wasn’t Invented, It developed over a millennium. Southwestern architecture is as varied as the landscape. Influenced not only by Native American and western cultures but Spanish as well. The Spanish influence can be found in haciendas, mission style churches and adobe houses that dot outstanding hillsides and desert plateaus through out New Mexico and areas of Arizona as well. When we think of Southwestern style architecture we naturally picture adobe homes. 
Adobe blocks are created by combining earth with water and straw, poured into molds and dried in the sun. Not only was it easy to produce on site it, also has very good insulating qualities keeping cooler in the heat of summer and retaining heat in with cold of winter. As a result it became a primary building material through out the southwestern territories. Although homes of wood, brick and other building materials are found in the southwest, adobe is used in abundance. The block was then covered by a similar mixture that could be reapplied and repaired. Because of constant upkeep and maintenance requirements, adobe came to be covered with stucco, a durable mixture of cement, sand and water applied with a trowel.
Flat earthen roofs with extended scuppers to protect from splashing rain were used and later red clay tile roofs with Spanish roots developed which is why people also associate them in there design when considering Southwestern style architecture.
Southwestern Architectural and Decorating Style and Detail s.
And of coarse most southwestern homes have a fireplace. Built in a corner to radiate heat through the area a kiva fireplace known known for it’s beehive shape was constructed from the same adobe blocks as the rest of the home. With the interest in southwest decorating and design kiva fireplaces are now available in kit form.
Ceilings are constructed with large beams with lathing or smaller pealed saplings at right angles or intricate patterns. Some ceilings use a stucco or plaster between the beams. And often the roofs where covered in dirt and or sod to aid in warming and cooling depending on the season. Walls can be finished either smooth or rough surfaced again with colored stucco or plaster and painted depending upon ones preference.
In Southwestern decorating most of the architectural details are indigenous to the land. Flagstone, terra cotta, tile and often pine flooring is used with 
multi colored woven rugs to protect and accent the surface such as the woven Zapotec and Native American rugs pictured at the left from Line Of The Spirit in Taos New Mexico.
Windows were often small and deep set to provide shading from the hot mid day sun to aid in cooling. Today this condition is not an issue the our technological advances in HVAC and windows so large windows are now installed to provide light and take advantage of magnificent views but still often set back to maintain the design elements.
Many doors and windows are arched reminiscent of the early Spanish mission styling. Early windows often had interior shutters for protection from the sun and hostile enemies.
Ironwork Gives Southwest Decor That Inherent Spanish Influence.
Influence by Spanish colonization, southwestern ironwork has been included in Southwestern Decorating, styling and functionality. In the early years handcrafted by local blacksmiths from discarded weapons and tools and other iron scrap it could be found in all areas of the home. Today it is still a vary large part of southwestern decor and function.
Ironwork is still used used for gates and window grills. It was also and still used for practical purposes such as door knobs, hinges and locks. As well as for creative decorative items such as basket wall hangers, coat hangers, table and floor lamps, furniture and protective balcony and stair railings. Scrolls, curlicues, and curves are obvious in these wonderful handmade objects.
In our next post we will expand a bit more on the elements of southwestern decor such as paint, textiles and accessories.
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