This image highlights the rough sawn lumber soffit and roof transition on the second story on this northern New Mexico straw bale home. The desired effect was to create a wood transition to the roof line and plasters. It gives the house a slight cottage effect, rather than the overall cement stucco look seen in most homes in the area and what is considered classic Southwest vernacular.
As seen in this close up image, the curved design of the house allows for an interesting angle to the wrap of the carpentry and rough sawn lumber effect. Norbert executed the angles and wrap effect with his usual precision. He also hand milled the lumber from standing dead white pine from the land. Using a small hand mill, it allowed him to mill the wood to his desired specs. Using the lumber from the land is a rare treat not many are able to take advantage of, and allows the ability to manage the forest, which is heavily wooded. The amount taken from the wooded areas (and taken in random areas, rather than in one patch) is minor and minimally effects the local habitat. We are very careful to only take what was needed, and to do so in such a way to add benefit to the creatures and plants living in the area, rather than imposing negative effects upon the terrain.