Eastview House
Private • Residential • Gallup, NM • 2009
In a developed subdivision in Gallup, New Mexico, the Eastview house presents an alternative house/site relationship, based on topography, drainage, climate, views and the preservation of existing trees. At an elevation of 6,500 feet, this owner-built house extends out across the site, past neighboring houses and around existing pinon and juniper trees to allow the living areas of the house to have a view of Church Rock and Pyramid Rock. Topography and existing drainage patterns necessitated a ramped bridge to connect the public and private zones of the house.
The roof slopes up to the east towards the view, providing less resistance to the constant west wind and less exposure to the harsh western sun. The material palette is minimal and selected from readily available, durable, local materials. Colors are taken from geology and plants on site. All spaces are cross ventilated and day lit. Interior glazing, skylights and clerestories create a dynamic continuous interior view.