Adobe Home Plans, One of the First Housing Styles


Adobe home plans and adobe style home plans are a style of architecture that's been used for thousands of years. Adobe style house plans are still popular today. An adobe house plan is in high demand because of all the benefits and advantages the home style offers. This style of home is made from soil, sand, straw, water, and other natural materials. These materials are known for their temperature regulating properties.


Adobe homes work well in extreme climates, which is one reason that they have been used through history. These homes are well insulated, and they can hold heat and cool air inside the house for longer periods. This means lower energy bills, and a temperature setting which stays level without large fluctuations.


An adobe house plan still offers an appealing look and feel, with natural materials that are more environmentally friendly. This home style is very popular in the American southwest, as well as many other places around the world. Adobe building material is created using soils, like sand and clay, which are mixed with water and other organic materials. A fiber containing material, like straw or sticks, is added to the mud and building bricks or blocks are shaped.


Once the material has dried it is used for construction. Some of the oldest homes still standing are adobe homes, and this type of structure is very durable under most conditions. Earthquakes can damage this type of architecture though, so adobe homes are not ideal in areas with high seismic activity.


The Long History Of Adobe Home Plans


Adobe style house plans have been in use for many thousands of years. This design is one of the first home types ever built. In the year 3800 BC adobe bricks were made in Egypt, because this structure type was ideal for the hot and sandy climate in that country.


The Egyptians used mud from the Nile River. Then straw was added before the adobe bricks were shaped by hand and dried in the hot sun. In the USA this type of home is very common in states located in the southwestern region, and can be found in other areas as well.


Spanish settlers reached America in the sixteenth century reported finding Pueblo Indians living in adobe homes and buildings. From 1200 BC to 1300 AD the Anasazi Pueblo tribes lived in areas that are now parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. These tribes built large adobe structures, some of which are still standing and may contain eight hundred rooms or more. These adobe style house plans were intended to house the entire tribe, not just a few people.


Adobe House Plan Owners


Adobe house plans can be a good fit with many areas and lifestyles. You may choose this type of architecture if you want a home that is green and environmentally friendly. Another factor is the energy efficiency that these homes have. Adobe home walls are very thick and solid. You may choose this style of residence if you want to see lower heating and cooling bills.


Homes made from adobe materials will stay cooler in the heat of the day and warmer at night when the temperatures drop. You can choose this style no matter how big or small your family is, because adobe homes can be designed for any size requirements.


Adobe style home plans are not always a good fit if you have a small lot, or if you live in northern climates where snow, ice, and cold temperatures are a problem. These homes can be built in these situations but it becomes more difficult. The thick walls mean that these structures require more space, and will shrink down available living space inside your home.


You may choose this design if you live in the southwestern US, and in some areas adobe is the preferred choice when it comes to building because of the energy benefits and durability offered.


Key Elements of Adobe Style House Plans



Positive Features of Adobe Home Plans


  • Inexpensive
  • Energy efficient
  • Natural and sustainable materials are used in construction
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Thick walls
  • Usually a single level
  • Roof is flat, with no pitch
  • The design is symmetrical
  • Stucco over brick adds appeal and insulation
  • Normally includes a covered porch
  • Round log ceiling beams, called vigas, add beauty to the interior
  • Insulation can be added


Negative Features of Adobe Home Plans


  • Not a good choice in climates with a lot of snow, ice, or moisture
  • Frequent repairs may be needed
  • Adobe walls may crack and need to be maintained
  • Moisture can damage or even dissolve the building materials
  • Requires more space per foot of living area because of thicker walls
  • Animals may burrow through the walls and get in the home
  • Should be avoided in areas with freezing temperatures


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