THE BOULDER HOUSE

Stylistically akin to California’s historic Spanish missions, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom straw bale residence overlooks the amazing mountain views of eastern San Diego County. “The Boulder Home” was the 2nd straw bale home permitted in Southern California and is incredibly energy efficient due to the straw bale insulation qualities as well as the thermal mass from the boulder.

The original clients felt that the 14-foot boulder was sacred to the property, and it also shows evidence of Kumeyaay activity in the area, including indications that fires were lit underneath the boulder in the past. The boulder is enjoyed by both the great room and the master bedroom and is surrounded by a moat and small waterfall. The moat’s main purpose, aside from providing a soothing sound, actually mediates the temperature swing along with the thermal mass of the boulder. This functionality keeps the home in the 60s and 70s year-round, a remarkable feat in the desert considering there is no central heat or air. They have a stove for extra heating if necessary.

Above the boulder and moat is a central tower with an oversized fan that draws air up and out in summer and re-circulates warm air in the winter months. The clients had an interesting history – one was a former Navy Seal, and one was a rock climber who enjoyed climbing the boulder to open and close the tower windows.

Straw bale walls are two feet thick and are super-insulated. During the construction process of this home, there were large workshops with paid participants who learned how to put up these walls. In Drew’s words, “It was a great experience bringing strangers together with a common cause to build something unique and teach sustainability practices.” The straw bale walls act as a thermos that holds warm air during the winter and cool air during the summer, which is essential in the desert climate of Jamul. Title 24 energy calculations show the house exceeds California standard compliance by 41%, saving the residents a significant amount on their energy bill. A “truth window” in one of the walls showcases the straw bale infill, ensuring the homeowners and visitors always feel connected to the materials.

Several courtyards and fountains surround the home, encouraging outdoor living. The western patio boasts views that allow the residents to see all the way to Point Loma on a clear day. The property is also adjacent to the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge and the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve.

James Hubbell’s stonework and mosaic inlays incorporated into the design were inspired by the surrounding natural tones and colors of the home and landscape.

Additional features include the Earthen plaster interior walls and earthen floors consisting of all natural materials that do not emit chemicals, unlike more conventional finishes. The roof overhangs and the arched arcade minimize solar heat gain during the summer. Solar panels pre-heat the water, and photovoltaic panels in conjunction with existing inverter and battery storage provide most of the home’s electricity. The home is surrounded by Xeriscape landscaping, which is low water and low maintenance.

Hubbell & Hubbell’s core philosophy is respect, so respecting the land and its history was a key to how the home sits on the land. The residence was ahead of its time when it came to sustainability, and we are proud to be continuing to design homes focusing on green building techniques.

See a beautiful short video of the boulder home here.