The Energy Efficient Homes of Michael Reynolds

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An early attempt at building an energy-efficient house: Mike Reynolds' Phase I building (with the can-dome office).
An early attempt at building an energy-efficient house: Mike Reynolds' Phase I building (with the can-dome office).
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The self-sufficient wind turbine house.
The self-sufficient wind turbine house.
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Vigas used as beams, in conjunction with smaller limbs, make an interesting ceiling.
Vigas used as beams, in conjunction with smaller limbs, make an interesting ceiling.
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Michael's newest experiment is the
Michael's newest experiment is the "Dynosphere," a 40-foot-high wind turbine.
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The can-decorated stairs.
The can-decorated stairs.
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A cozy bedroom in Joe Hoar's Volkshome.
A cozy bedroom in Joe Hoar's Volkshome.

Regular readers of this magazine will likely remember Michael Reynolds. He’s the innovative architect in Taos, New Mexico who’s devoted to constructing houses from natural (and not-so-natural) materials.

Mike, you see, is partial to earth, sun, wind, and junk (like old tires and tin cans). He also appreciates the beauty of vigas (sturdy beams made from thick tree trunks). The architect believes that with the right “formula,” such diverse and readily available materials can be combined to form energy-efficient homes that won’t lay waste to either the resources and beauty of the earth or the utility budgets of their owners!

For the past ten years Mike has followed his theories, and built solar houses on commission and speculation. But most of the one-family dwellings have been large, custom-built homes in the $50,000 to $100,000 price range, and thus not within the financial reach of a lot of folks including many members of his own crew. With this in mind, he decided to work out a design that would better fit the needs of “Everyman.” And one way to approach that goal, Reynolds concluded, would be to design fuel-efficient, inexpensive, multiple-unit rental buildings.

Initial Designs

Mike’s first design for this purpose — which he called Phase I — is a passive solar, earth sheltered house that features (along with the tire and can walls he favors) an integral greenhouse on the south side. It also contains a communal living area, kitchen, and bathroom, plus three tire-encircled bedrooms — each with its own sleeping loft — and a can-walled dome. Furthermore, the greenhouse is lined with planting beds in which the tenants can grow their own vegetables and flowers, and makes use of a wall of water tanks for thermal mass. The innovative dwelling is finished with a curving tin roof. All in all, the 2,500-square-foot Phase I (which now provides low-cost rental space for a few of the workers and houses the company’s office) cost around $50,000 to build.

  • Published on Jan 1, 1983
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