Our friend Lynne, of TaoStyle, flatters us with a follow-up piece to her story on our home which went live a couple weeks ago.
Thank you, Lynne.
Farmer Brad
Brad says HOCKMEYER means “farmer on the hill”. Here he is booting up.
Latest
Wonderful Follow-Up by TaoStyle
Early Season Lodi Apples
The tree, purchased from Tooley’s Trees and planted less than three years ago, is still small but
how ’bout them apples?!!
Featured in ENCHANTED HOMES MAGAZINE August/Sept 2015 Issue
Click the link to read the full story written by Yvonne Pesquera for the Taos News real estate magazine. We love the photos photos by Katharine Egli and are very grateful for their efforts in creating such a nice piece.
Photo by Taos News photographer KATHARINE EGLI
TaoStyle
Lynne Robinson of TaoStyle Blog paid a visit to Rounder and did a nice piece on us.
Thank you, Lynne.
“If you think outside the box, why live in one?” Says Diane Enright, the listing agent for this Chic Shack.
When Buckminster Fuller invented the Geodesic Dome in the late 1940s, he did so, in order to demonstrate some of his concepts about housing, and what he termed “energetic-synergetic geometry” which he had begun to develop during WWII.
Fuller was on an essentially, humanitarian mission to improve the housing of humanity. The Dome represents a brilliant demonstration of his synergetics principles which could indeed serve to solve some of the pressing housing problems of today (a housing crisis which Fuller predicted back in 1927).
Geodesic domes (and the homes based on those designs) are extremely efficient and inexpensive. This alone, in today’s economic and environmental atmosphere makes them worthy of consideration, along with other sustainable building techniques.
As sustainable living becomes more of an imperative as overpopulation escalates, domes offer some seriously smart ways to house humans. Along with many other attributes, they also provide a way to grow vegetation indoors.
The spherical structure of a dome is one of the most efficient interior atmospheres for human dwellings because air and energy are allowed to circulate without obstruction. This enables heating and cooling to occur naturally.
More specifically, the dome is energy-efficient for many reasons: Its decreased surface area requires less building materials, exposure to cold in the winter and heat in the summer is decreased because, being spherical, there is the least surface area per unity of volume per structure.
The net annual energy savings for a dome owner is 30% less (energy usage) than normal rectilinear homes according to the Oregon Dome Co.
There have always been Domes here in Taos but this is not your average Bucky Fuller Hippie Dome. This Dome is something else entirely, and it most certainly qualifies as a very Chick Shack.
Diane Enright, who is the undisputed Queen of the Taos Realty Scene (together with her Associate Brandon Rose), are the listing agents for this great property, owned and built by one of the coolest couples in town, Brad Hockmeyer and Janet Gauthier.
Diane has a reputation for knowing the Market here better than most. The fact that she’s been here doing this, longer than most, is certainly in her favour. Originally from Texas, Diane is as chic as the shacks she lists.
Brad Hockmeyer and Janet Gauthier envisioned this Dome merging with the landscape on the gorgeous 6 acre property Brad already owned, with the Rio running through it.
The colour of the surrounding sagebrush was used as the cover coat, and the couple have planted scores of trees on the property, that will one day render the Dome almost indistinguishable from its surroundings.
Brad bought the land years ago before anyone had even heard of Los Cordovas, the neighborhood they live in. Brad’s been known to do a few things early on, being ahead of the curve with an eye on what’s coming down next.
From Dobbs Ferry, New York, Brad came to Taos in 1979 and was for a time partners with Gringo Lessons author, Bill Whaley, in a trailer-housed radio station (KVNM) on Blueberry Hill. When their deal unraveled Brad went on to found KTOAS Solar Radio in 1986. He eventually moved from the trailer to a space near the Old Blinking Light which expanded to include a performance space, making the KTAOS Solar Center one of the prime venues for live music here in Taos.
A few years ago, Brad sold KTAOS to four of his employees. although he’s still on the air all week-long. The couple travel often and are as at home in the city as they are in the Dome.
It stands to reason then that solar panels and passive solar window gain – there are windows throughout this Dome, facing in every direction, capturing the extraordinary views of the property and beyond – were the main consideration for the couple, when building the Dome. Solar hot water and electricity are the only energies used here, although the Dome is designed to ultimately, run completely off the grid and entirely dependent on the elements for energy.
From the outside the Dome looks unimposing but Inside the space is an entirely different story reflecting the couple’s rock and roll sensibilities with a nod to the 60’s and 70’s in the Modernist design and decor. Janet’s talent for design and detail really comes into play in the interiors. Growing up in Louisiana and years spent in Taos, have gifted her with an eclectic, yet extremely modern aesthetic. A quirky Mid Century chandelier hangs like a Sputnik in the center of the kitchens domed ceiling, while the dining area boasts a modern fixture dripping with baroque crystals. In the master bedroom, a classic crystal chandelier is suspended above the bed from the center of the dome.
The Dome (actually two domes conjoined by a vaulted vestibule that also cleverly contains a small home office), is divided into an open plan living/dining and kitchen area with the master bedroom and luxurious bath in the upstairs of the second dome, housing Brad’s office and studio and a spare bedroom downstairs. Janet’s managed to make the home feel warm and cozy yet completely open to the landscape. Picture windows, strategically placed, capture the views from all around.
The sun porch off the vestibule is a Winter in Taos dream, a solar collector par excellence, it serves to heat the surrounding areas. It’s where Janet likes to chill out after a day in the garden tending to all their plantings. Janet is one of the most sought after hair stylists in town but these days she’s mostly dreaming up new Domes. She’s standing in the entry to the conservatory – like space.”One day, you wont even see the house,” Janet says. “The landscape will completely absorb it.”
The wall of these incredibly livable spaces, have been plastered with pure pigmented clay that changes hue depending on the light and the time of day and season.The Dome seamlessly connects the interior with sweeping views of the mountains and the gorge cutting through the bottom of the property. It’s a wonderfully comfortable place to hang out in. The architectural details the couple have applied, work like a charm to elevate the interior. By using the vaulted aspect of the domed rooms, they’ve created an incredibly efficient yet chic space.
The Design bug clearly has Janet inspired. Having already renovated and updated their town home, she’s ready for a new project. Janet wants to build another one. This time near the beach on the Gulf Coast. “It would withstand any hurricane”, she tells me. Both are ready for a change in scenery and dream of spending winters near the sea.
Although they know they’ll miss this magical location, they do have their other house in town and selling this one will enable them to make their dream a reality.
I couldn’t help thinking that the Dome would make such a great hideaway for a musician. It’s at the end of a private road and just happens to have incredible acoustics. It’s the perfect Rock and Roll Shack.
This Chic Shack is 3800 sf and is listed at $1,100,000. For more information on this truly special property, please contact Diane Enright or Brandon Rose at taoshomes.com (click on this link for more, brightly lit photographs of the Dome) and check out Brad and Janet’s blog rounderhomeandfarm for the entire Dome journey and lots more great pics too!
Both Diane Enright and Janet Gauthier collaborated on this post with me. All photographs of Dome interior and exterior by Janet, except for the aerial shot of the property (Chris Dahl-bredine) the Domes and the driveway in early spring, by Diane. Thank you ladies!
Photograph of Brad and Janet in the City by Michael Scully
Photograph of Diane and Brandon care of Diane Enright
Aerial Photograph by Chris Dahl-bredine
A Beach Dome
We came across Eye of the Storm dome when we were first researching years ago. I’ve thought of it several times lately while checking out homes along the stretch of the Mississippi Gulf Coast which was ravaged by Katrina. More photos of Eye of the Storm.
My Father Phoned Me at Ten-Thirty Last Night
My father phoned me at ten-thirty his time last night so I knew it had to be important. Approaching eighty-nine, sixth-born of nine children, he informed me that his older sister Gertrude had passed. His younger sister, Therese, left this world the day before her eighty-fifth birthday weeks ago in February. “There are only two of us left,” though I didn’t need reminding. My father’s genetics carry acute mental clarity along with adequate physical health and longevity. My father has outlived many people and he knows it. Having read one book per day for many years, he’s surely not one for fluff, although he is not outwardly soul-searching. More scientifically minded, I’d say, and never much into house pets, he has grown to become somewhat protective feeding birds, tracking hummingbirds, and offended by pesky patrolling cats, as he puffs his mild cigarettes on the porch graced by a large magnificent oak tree he remembers as a little tree on the same town block of the home he grew up in.
Though I’ve come to be more comfortable in the sometimes-absurd discomfort of standing in the middle of life’s highs and lows I return to knowing they’re illusions, those highs and lows. I try to imagine what it must be like to be approaching ninety years old, to be mentally clear, fully cognizant, while knowing your number is relatively soon to be called. My dad, “Lawrence”, has obviously experienced loss though his composure is always in tact. How does one stand in the middle of that? How does one finish his or her own story? My parents, married almost sixty years, are getting on a plane soon to visit my brother Jon (middle name Lawrence), and his wife Shawna, outside D.C. My father attended the FBI National Academy in the Seventies and Jon is arranging a tour of some military fashion for my two-time Veteran father and his small, family group. His entourage includes my uncle Gordon, Therese’s widower, who was next door all the years of my upbringing. Cousin Joey (Gordon, Jr.) US Navy Captain, my father’s godson, I believe, who is living outside D.C as well, will also be in accompaniment. My dad has made being a Semper Fi Veteran a huge part of his story and it seems appropriate that he gets to be a hero in his own final chapters. He will also get to have his five children, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren play a part in those final, more personal pages.
I never thought I’d want to live in the South again but that’s the crazy plan that was hatched the week my husband joined me down there and we stole away from my parents’ home for a beach-hopping road trip along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi Delta. We desperately needed quality time together because the preceding months had not been fun. I love summers in Taos. I’ve said more than once that I’m sure, absolutely certain in fact, I could spend my summers gardening in Taos for the rest of my life. The weather is ideal and air conditioning is a very rare utility. I used to contain my snarky laughter when my aunt Nez invited me to the 4th of July family reunions. “Ha! St. Martinville on the 4th?” Now I look forward to the lubricating qualities of being at sea level, but will I be able to live dependant on air conditioning at times? We’re calling it a five-year plan. Go down, hang with the folks, and watch my Yankee husband have his mind continually blown be the culture, the food, the music, and the lush outdoors. He can’t wait. It was his idea, sensing his own need to take a break after thirty-seven years in this small, high-desert town. We built our dream home on the riverfront acreage he bought years ago after his wife died, the land he was sure he’d spend the rest of his days on. More realistically, the acreage that requires more than he wants to handle, he now reckons. We had a dream and it was a damn good one. With his only child Amos, my quiet, considerate stepson next door, Brad could finally retire and relax. Our big white Maremma’s were brought here to the farm to be future guardians of goats and chickens. Strictly “outside” dogs, they’re becoming more and more like roommates as each thunderous evening passes. My hairdressing skills must surely turn canine if we are to bring this wonderfully jubilant beings South.
I’m not a blogger but only reflecting. I began photo archiving with this blog so that I could keep my parents in the loop as I constructed my nest, always supported and encouraged by them to fly far from the coop. Keeping binoculars on my bedpost, I enjoy watching the bird life traverse this New Mexican riparian corridor. Amongst other varieties, we see Canadian geese honk as they go by each year. I still chuckle when I realize I, too, will fly South for winters soon. Honk, honk.
Early Morning in the Orchard
The rains have been kind and all the trees are happy. Even the wild asparagus has popped up in a couple new places this year. Red Winesap Apple, Seckle Pear, apricot, plum, the four cherry trees–they’re all in top form, still young but bearing their tiny fruits. At their feet and keeping the ground moist, the trunks protected from the potentially harsh sun, improving the soil, pink and purple sanfoin are in full bloom. Happy, happy!
Wild Asparagus
Just a Quote
In reading over my very first blog posts, I found this which I posted on January 11, 2011
“Real human culture, the natural expression of the individual at the pure creative level, always emanates a degree of uniqueness, spontaneity and asymmetry that is unfeasible to manufacture or mass produce. It does not lend itself to reproduction or packaging. The value of real culture is therefore to be observed in that which is handmade, distinct, crafted, skillful, and is a profound representation of an individual, not an organization. It is anti-commercial to its core.”
-Neil Kramer, The Cleaver
Small Success in the Orchard
Post Spring Freeze inspection reveals promising results: no buds to be harmed by frost!
According to the permaculture expert we consulted with, and Nicholas the Apricot guru, who both suggested we could experience successful fruit and nut growing here at Rounder by planting on a north-facing slope, our trees should be late to bloom. That seems to be so. While the trees in town are beautifully blossomed dictated by the warming temperatures of late, our trees here had no blossoms to risk freezing last night, thus still presenting hope for the right conditions on the farm for successful fruit production. Viewing the photos below, one can see the trees seem on track and yet to bud.
Ah, the vulnerabilities and uncertainties of nature and the seasons! As Nicholas pointed out when we put the orchard in: even an occasional crop of fruit is a success as we can’t expect a bounty every year. That’s a good thing to remember when we’re so quick to point out a seeming “failure” when nature doesn’t go our way. That being said, one will have to look back after several years to determine the success of fruit and nuts on the farm.
Though our trees are young and won’t bear much fruit for a couple years or so, the vision seems to be unfolding quite nicely. We still have a month of uncertainty in temperatures. Fingers crossed!
Rounder Home and Farm 