We specialize in building methods using sustainable materials to create healthy, beautiful homes - and more.

 

At Earthen Touch Natural Builders, we bring living with awareness and sustainability to every project we undertake.

We design and build homes both on and off-grid, and can design/install rain catchment systems as a main water source. The design and installation of solar electric (PV) and solar panels for in-floor radiant heating is also a service we provide.

UPDATE Jan. 2022. Currently we are limiting our project travel working closer to home in El Rito. We are unable to take on projects in the Pecos, Glorieta and surrounding areas south of Santa Fe but welcome projects near – Abiquiu, Ojo Caliente and home.

Due to a high request for new homes we are unable to take on any add-on or renovation projects for the foreseeable future.

As licensed sustainable building contractors, we bring elements to any project which work best for you. For quality control, we don’t simply sub-contract everything out but are both “on the tools” building day to day. Call us at 505-929-7350 or send an email for more details.

In 2019 we added a new page – Buying Land –  suggestions for those looking to buy or build on raw land in New Mexico. Here is an informative article for those considering installing solar panels (PVs).

Find us on Facebook – Earthen Touch Builders

In 2018 we installed a wind turbine to supplement a 5.4 kW solar PV system in an area which often receives strong winds – an exciting first.

wind turbine

Also in 2018 we created our first small jobsite solar PV array. The portable design will allow us to take it with us on all future projects and work off-grid.

Having worked on a variety of wall systems and materials, our skill set is constantly evolving. Tackling a variety of sustainable building systems keeps our projects varied – from straw bale, adobe, highly insulated stick framed homes, to highly insulated ICF blocks, and more.

Using earthen and lime plasters, and other natural materials for finishing helps make a home warm, healthy and beautiful. Our workmanship is high end – with attention to detail our most noted specialty.

As each person has his or her interpretation of green or sustainable practices, we will assist you in defining and creating your green home, by any degree.

For the home owner who needs design assistance, or a project we create for you from beginning to end, we will guide you to a finished product with both economy and quality top of mind.

Our belief is such that we utilize minimal resources in our work, and embrace methods which make a home more efficient, earth-friendly and healthy for both the planet and inhabitants.

For more detail on how we incorporate sustainable living in our own home (link)

Given we are a small company often building with natural materials when we can – we are often asked if we hold workshops or allow clients to provide sweat equity. We provide neither of those options.

recent videos

free standing 5 kw solar array

installing a wind turbine

This 2 minute video (very simple, mostly stills) shows us installing a wind turbine in the spring of 2018 on a home we built which is completely off-grid. The turbine was installed to provide supplemental energy to the 18 panel solar PV system.

solar in-floor radiant heat

This video featuring solar in-floor radiant heat, shows the benefits and comfort advantages one can incorporate into any home or structure with this highly efficient heating system. For the natural building enthusiast, owner-builder who might be looking for sustainable home heating solutions, or those looking to move in the direction of more off-grid living – […]

ETB Project Radius

From now until the foreseeable future, we are limiting our work to northern New Mexico. Projects in the past have taken us to Colorado, Arizona and throughout New Mexico, but we are now working more local to our home. Projects in El Rito, Abiquiu, Ojo Caliente and areas nearby are always welcomed.
Remodeling and Home Design
El Rito Design-Build Firms

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list of our services

General Construction:
Adobe  – Straw Bale Construction
Composite ICF blocks – Cob (detailing only)
Highly Insulated Stick Frame

Earthen Specialties:
Adobe Beautification & Restoration
Earthen Plastering – Interior & Exterior
Earthen Floors – aka Poured Adobe Floors
Lime Plastering – Interior & Exterior

Foundation To Finish:
Foundations, Framing & Roofing
Rough & Finished Carpentry
Installation – Wood, Tile, Stained Cement Flooring
Interior & Exterior Tile Design/Installation
Exterior Cement Stucco or Sto Plasters
Custom Interior Details

Owner – Builder Architectural Design Assistance
Design Consulting for Interiors & Exteriors

Design in partnership with our sub-contractors :
– Electrical & Plumbing Systems
– Home Heating & Cooling Systems
– Radiant In-floor Heating Systems
– Solar Electrical & Hot Water Systems
– Interior Fire Sprinkler Systems
– Self-Sufficient Water Catchment Systems

project highlights