A 20TH CENTURY CLIFF HOUSE

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

The building's earth-sheltering obviously plays a large role in its energy efficiency. Only one wall touches outside air, and that bulwark is insulated with 6" fiberglass batt, as well as double-pane windows with a 1/2" air gap. The air space surrounding the other three walls, the ceiling, and the floor serves to moderate the difference between the interior and the gradually fluctuating rock temperature. (While the outside air may jump between -30 and 110 °F in a six-month period, the sandstone slowly swings between 60 and 73 °F!)

Because it has very limited outside exposure, Chuck's dwelling also has a very small infiltration loss. Still, the doorsand the concrete block and stone wall which covers the air space—are carefully weatherstripped to prevent intrusion of outside air.

Another watt-saving feature is the solar gain that's made possible by the home's 200-plus square feet of southwest-facing glass. In the winter, the sun's rays reach nearly to the back wall of the house . . . while the cave's overhang and the porches protect the interior from the summer sun. (During the fall or spring—when the local weather fluctuates greatly from day to day—reflective Mylar blinds can be lowered to shield the windows ... without interrupting the majestic view.)

BRIGHT INSIDE

Many visitors are surprised to find (Chuck tells us) that the cliff dwelling has the light and airy feel which results from natural illumination. In fact, it's difficult to believe that the abode is actually inside a cave. By designing the structure to be relatively tall and wide, Chuck has totally avoided the gloomy corners which can lead to that "dungeon" feeling.

The attractive interior finishing of the home takes full advantage of the available sunshine, too. Chuck has a love affair with wood, and the house's trim and cabinetry are predominantly made from light oak, with a minimum of handles and metal work. A motif of white pottery lamps and pots decorated with native American designs—all crafted by Don Gardner of Arvada, Colorado—completes the uncomplicated and attractive decorating scheme.

The top floor serves as the master bedroom and as Chuck's office, while the second story is occupied by the kitchen, living room, and dining room ... and provides the major egress. Steps—which are carved into the sandstone outcrop itself—lead up from ground level to a large overhanging porch and the front door.

Access from one floor to another is handled by a staircase at the rear of the building, and the steps leading down from the second story take the visitor to a room of markedly different character. Slightly below ground level—and mostly shaded by the porch above—the first floor manages to be serious without being somber. In modern American terminology the room would be referred to as a den, but in a cliff dwelling it must be called the kiva.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print