Smoketree Ranch

This gorgeous expansive Borrego Springs residence, named the Smoketree Ranch, is a contemporary Southwestern style single-family estate situated exclusively on 1,400 acres. With a rooftop viewing deck and panorama views of the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park, this one-of-a-kind 4,768 SF home has five en-suite bedrooms with two extra bathrooms. The home sports an eight-car subterranean garage utilizing passive cooling techniques and has a passive solar energy system creating hot water for the pool located above. The garage takes advantage of the desert sunshine and uses daylighting as part of the lighting scheme with light flowing into the garage through wells in the curved walls and through the glass bottom of the circular fountain.

Structurally composed of wood, steel posts, and reclaimed timber beams with straw bale infill, this form of construction, which Hubbell & Hubbell is at the forefront of in the County of San Diego, is less toxic, has very high thermal performance, and has a greater immunity to wildfire damage with its two-foot thick plastered walls. These walls are airtight and have an insulation rating three times greater than typical insulation, which is key to energy efficient building, durability, and cost savings on utilities. Because of the high insulation rating, the home has less fluctuation in temperature, staying much cooler during the hot months and warmer on the cooler desert nights. Straw bale construction also has a lower embodied energy than conventional building materials, reducing the energy used for oil-based fuels since the straw utilized as infill comes from leftover California rice crop stalks, which often go to waste unless put to use in this format. Clerestory windows incorporated into the design also facilitate natural cooling.

The grand entrance of the beautiful stained glass doors were crafted by James Hubbell, as well as custom light features, mosaic tiling, railings, and gates. A radiused blue metal trellis softens the building visually while shading the outdoor patio. The property also includes a 5,100 square feet concrete tilt-up airplane hangar, a 1,560 square foot guest/pilot’s quarters, and 18 contiguous parcels.