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	Southwestern Spanish Style

	One of the earliest Spanish-style dwellings in the South-western region was the Spanish Colonial. Because of the intense desert climate, these homes were constructed of thick, adobe walls that provided excellent insulation. There were very few windows, since the preference was for bars, wroght-iron grilles or covered openings, often protected with the spiny ribs of the ocotillo cactus or other materials indigenous to the area.

	Because of the warm climates, they built long porches that opened onto courtyards and functioned as sheltered passageways between rooms. These areas were designed with broad porches and overhanging roofs, so they offered the type of protection you would get from an umbrella to the pounding monsoon rains of summer and the sun in every season.

	In the late 1800s, the Mission-style home came into prominence. These homes, typically, had wide over- hanging eaves and were very easily recognized by a mission-type dormer or parapet.

	By the early 1900s, the Pueblo Revival was well under way. Taking its cue from the ancient Native American dwellings of the Southwest, this style was characterized by a stucco exterior and a flat roof with a parapet above irregular rounded edges. Projecting wooden roof beams, called vigas, extended through the walls. The stepped-back roofline of the original native American pueblos (Spanish for towns) was often imitated, with window lintels and porches carrying out the hand-crafted theme.

	Between 1915 and 1940, the Spanish Eclectic home made its appearance. The most prominent features of these homes are the arches above the windows and doors, and the decorative details inspired by Moorish or Byzantine cultures.

	My Spanish bakery (La Mariposa) is a Mission-style home.



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	�Si, se habla Espa�ol!

	From the 17th Century until 1821 a vast portion of what is now known as the Southwestern United States was under Spanish control. So it is not surprising that a strong Spanish influence exists today.

	The Spanish language is part of their lives, and part of the land. It is there in the names of large cities and states (El Paso, Los Angeles, Nevada); and towns (Manteca, Las Rosas); landmarks (Rio Grande, Colorado), mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada), foods (tacos, chile con carne, enchilada), etc..

	Since this project involves a Spanish style home, you are bound to find some terms relating to the architectural features found in this type of dwelling. Here are some of the Spanish words you may encounter on this site.





	Adobe -- sun-dried building blocks made of mud and straw, which are laid like brick. Emplastadoras (plasterers), traditionally women, then plaster the blocks with adobe mud.

	Alacena -- a cupboard built into the wall. This feature can be found in any room.

	Azul a�il -- this color--often referred to as Taos Blue--is used on doors to ward off spirits and bring good luck in Mexican and Native American traditions.

	Canales -- drains made of tin-lined wood troughs or hollow logs. They drain water from the roof.

	Fog�n -- an adobe fireplace built in the corner. They are usually called "beehives" and are most often quite small and built of plastered adobe.

	Horno -- a dome-shaped oven built on the outside of the house. It is used for baking bread.

	Latillas -- slender peeled poles laid across the vigas, side by side, in a herringbone style.

	Nichos -- a niche, used to display s santos (carved religious figures) together with a candle or flowers, or Indian pottery.

	Paredita -- a low wall between rooms that stops drafts and directs traffic, yet allows warm air to circulate overhead.

	Portales -- porch roofs supported by slender square pillasters of painted wood.

	Ristra -- a string of chile peppers.

	Round Vigas -- beams used for roof support. They are made from peeled tree trunks. They extend beyond the exterior walls.

	Sombraje -- shutters made of framed tiny latillas.

	Vigas -- rectangular beams used for roof support. They are usually made from milled timber, rectangular, and stained. They do not extend beyond the exterior walls.