DUST custom builds an off-grid arizona dwelling from volcanic rock

DUST custom builds an off-grid arizona dwelling from volcanic rock
all images by cade hayes

in arizona’s san rafael valley, architectural alliance DUST has completed a dwelling designed in direct response to the region’s distinct history and context. located 15 miles north of the border between the united states and mexico, ‘casa caldera’ occupies a site formed by volcanic activity that resulted in a mineral and resource-rich land. ‘from native agricultural cultures, to nomadic hunter-gatherers, to conquistadors and missionaries, to pioneers, miners, cattle, and cowboys, to militia, migrants, and narcotraficantes., the san rafael valley in southern arizona is the quintessential landscape and folklore of the wild west’, says the design team.

the dwelling is located in arizona’s san rafael valley

informed by climatic conditions, the small rectangular shelter is made from scoria — a basaltic lava that blends harmoniously with the landscape. walls are made from a porous, lightweight red volcanic aggregate, which is mixed to form a self-supporting semi-fluid and forced into formwork — similar to the process used for rammed earth. the clients requested both outdoor living and sleeping zones, a requirement that led to the rediscovery of a local house planning typology organized around a ‘zaguan’ — a type of hallway.

the design is a direct response to the region’s distinct history and context

the home’s area of 880 square feet is broken into three rectangular zones, with living accommodation and sleeping quarters flanking the central zaguan. large folding metal doors on either end of the zaguan connect the covered living space to the surrounding landscape, ensuring natural light. these partitions also harness passive cooling breezes when open, and offer security when closed. consequently, this flexible volume can be used for lounging, dining, and sleeping. 

the structure is found 15 miles north of the border between the united states and mexico

‘the zaguan as a space offers the rare experience where one can slow down or stop altogether, and simply take in the natural environment in a single focused view and physically witness time passing,’ explains DUST. ‘the only sources of heat are a wood burning stove and fireplace.’ cooling is achieved through the thermal offset of 18 inch-thick scoria walls and the natural flow of air that moves through the building as a result of positive and negative pressures on either side. solar orientation was carefully considered in the placement of external operable windows, which were kept small to minimize direct solar heat gain during summer months.

the small rectangular shelter is made from scoria — a basaltic lava

‘casa caldera’ is almost entirely custom built, with its walls, windows, hardware, leather pulls, wood siding, millwork, casework and framing all fabricated and installed by DUST. an existing well provides water for the off-grid dwelling, and a small solar electrical system sits away from the house to provide basic electrical power use. minimal low voltage LED lighting is used, while cooking, water heating and refrigeration are all powered by propane gas.

walls are made from a porous, lightweight red volcanic aggregate

video courtesy of jay bird films

living accommodation and sleeping quarters flank the central ‘zaguan’

solar orientation was carefully considered in the placement of external operable windows

the only sources of heat are a wood burning stove and fireplace

two bedrooms are provided

large folding metal doors are placed at both ends of the zaguan

the doors connect the covered living space to the surrounding landscape

‘casa caldera’ is almost entirely custom built, and completely off-grid

video courtesy of ford photography

1/11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: casa caldera
location: southeast arizona, san rafael valley, USA
completed: december 2015
interior area: 520 sqf / 48 sqm
footprint (including exterior terrace): 1,060 sqf / 98 sqm

client/owner: peter toot
architects: DUST
cade hayes, principal of DUST, project architect, registered architect
jesus robles, principal of DUST, project manager, design

general contractor: DUST
jesus robles, project manager
cade hayes, project manager
jay ritchey, carpentry
agustin valdez, concrete and masonry