Business Details
28 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Taos, NM
Founded in 1998, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting custom homes in the Taos area with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Our journey began with straw bale construction, evolving to incorporate diverse methods like adobe, frame, pumice-crete, and passive house-inspired techniques. We prioritize air and water management systems alongside strategic insulation to ensure energy efficiency and comfort. By utilizing regionally sourced materialsfrom straw bales to sustainably harvested Douglas firwe balance eco-conscious practices with mainstream building standards.Our expertise extends to custom cabinetry, woodwork, and mosaic tile, complemented by rainwater catchment systems. With decades of experience, we blend creativity and integrity to deliver homes that meet our clients' expectations for beauty, functionality, and performance.
Services
Custom Homes
Sustainable Design
Home Remodeling
Custom Cabinetry
Green Building
Straw Bale Construction
Adobe Homes
Energy-Efficient Homes
Project Management
Mosaic Tile Work
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in custom home construction and remodeling.
- Our projects integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient building science.
- We maintain a proven track record of client satisfaction and award-winning results.
- Our team specializes in diverse construction methods, from straw bale to passive house design.
- We prioritize transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving throughout every project.
What people say
Highest level of client satisfaction
Exquisite attention to detail
Collaborative problem-solving
Durable and energy-efficient homes
Dedicated to quality work
Services
Custom Homes
We design and construct custom homes tailored to clients' needs, using sustainable materials like straw bale, adobe, and sustainably sourced wood. Our process emphasizes energy efficiency through passive solar design, advanced insulation, and air-sealing techniques. Clients benefit from our expertise in blending aesthetics with functionality for long-lasting, comfortable living spaces.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design services focus on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. This includes integrating rainwater catchment systems, using locally sourced materials, and applying passive house principles. We ensure homes maintain thermal comfort with reduced energy consumption, aligning with modern eco-conscious standards and client values.
Home Remodeling
We specialize in transforming existing spaces through comprehensive remodeling, including kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, and structural additions. Our approach combines functional improvements with aesthetic enhancements, using custom cabinetry, tile work, and energy-efficient systems to modernize homes while preserving their character.
Straw Bale Construction
Straw bale construction offers superior insulation and sustainability. We utilize this method to build durable, energy-efficient homes with natural materials. Our expertise ensures structural integrity while achieving unique, eco-friendly designs that meet modern building codes and client expectations for comfort.
Project Management
We oversee all aspects of construction projects, coordinating subcontractors and managing timelines to ensure seamless execution. Our hands-on approach guarantees adherence to design specifications, budget constraints, and quality standards, providing clients with a stress-free building experience from concept to completion.
People
Patrick O'Brien
Owner/Contractor
Patrick O'Brien founded The Salamander Company in 1998 after gaining experience in cabinet-making and home renovation. He has specialized in sustainable building methods since constructing his first straw bale home in 1995. With over 30 years in the industry, he combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to deliver high-quality, client-focused projects.
Questions
What types of homes do you build?
We specialize in custom homes using straw bale, adobe, frame, and passive house-inspired methods, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency.
Do you offer remodeling services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive remodeling, including kitchen and bathroom upgrades, structural additions, and historic preservation projects.
How do you ensure energy efficiency?
We integrate passive solar design, advanced insulation, air-sealing techniques, and sustainable materials to optimize thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.
Can you work with long-distance clients?
Yes, we've successfully completed projects for clients living thousands of miles away through regular communication and detailed project management.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Taos, Santa Fe, and surrounding New Mexico communities, with experience working across diverse regional landscapes.