Salt Gulch Ranch

This house in the high Mesa desert of Southwestern Utah is sustainable. It is built with non-combustible fire-resistant materials of steel, concrete, copper and stucco. Water-recapturing, passive heating and passive cooling are used for a low impact on the environment and energy efficiency. Large overhanging eaves provide essential shade in the summer, solid concrete floors release the heat absorbed from the low winter sun. A skylight provides natural light to the kitchen, which is away from windows and in the center of the plan. The skylight also doubles as a solar chimney.