Phoenix, AZ, 1999
The Minkel residence is a 2000 square foot, (plus carport) highly energy efficient home in Phoenix, Arizona, in April, 1999. Although considered a "one-off" custom home, the Minkel residence was conceived as a prototype for production level, energy efficient Cast Earth homes. As such, the Minkel residence provides a near production level structure from which to continue to analyze the processes and technologies necessary to achieve reductions in costs. (Analysis of the Minkel residence projects an energy operating savings of 50% as compared to typical homes.) redrawing and re-engineering the Minkel residence where necessary can produce production level prototypes -- one for the desert southwest and one for the high mountain southwest -- ready for immediate construction.
This interpretation of Cast Earth utilizes a varied and rather intense application of iron oxide pigmentation to achieve a striated effect. The effect is further enhanced through textural variations achieved at the pour profiles as is seen in earlier homes.
At the left is a feature wall separating the living room and master bedroom in which the most artistic color effects were applied. The result is reminiscent of some of the modern art seen in better galeries or museums. David Minkle was the principal color applicator, who participated in this role throughout the pouring.
Again, the use of color with texture is evident in this image. The soils in this part of the Phoenix area are especially bland and needed some color; this effect may be varied as desired, from subtle to intense.
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