Southwest house plans include a variety of distinct architectural styles encompassing Pueblo or Santa Fe, Mission, Spanish colonial, as well as styles that integrate elements of these and other architectural influences.
Typically, southwest house plans blend their exteriors with surrounding terrain, incorporating earth-tone colors. Facades tend to be straight forward, with flat walls of stucco, brick or, in some cases, authentic adobe. Ornamental details come in the form of carved wooden doors, artistic tile patterns, intricate stonework and handsome wrought-iron fixtures and railings.
The flat-roofed Santa Fe homes derived their origins from the Native Americans, who built their simple multi-family homes of mud and straw in the form of adobe to reduce the effect of the daytime heat and nighttime chill. This style was adapted and improved upon by the Spanish, who recognized the thermal advantages of the thick earthen walls. These home plans are usually low to the ground with one or two stories of |
living space. It's quite common for interior areas to have shelves, benches and niches built into the walls. Beehive-shaped kiva fireplaces are common, as are free-flowing living spaces that open to a courtyard or cover porch. Spanish Mission, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival and Mediterranean styles make use of clay tile on low-pitched roofs and incorporate arches, columns and other decorative elements into their stucco exteriors.
Today, southwest house plans have been adapted for modern living, but they still retain a link back to their adobe roots. Most suited to the arid Southwestern region of the United States, Southwest house plans have found popularity across California, Texas and Florida. To a lesser extent this captivating home style can be found throughout the country, where their distinctive appearance makes them unique.
OHP has a wide variety of southwest house plans to fit your lifestyle. All of our best price house plans are high-resolution, print ready and can be instantly downloaded. |
