Second Street Compound

The Second Street Compound is located on a moderately busy street in Santa Fe, New Mexico minutes away by car from the Plaza, and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

In a vibrant city with such a long and rich history as Santa Fe, this compound is the product of the integration of modern programmatic needs and construction techniques, and the traditional courtyard spatial arrangement. As an infill development it seeks to counter the seemingly necessary consumption of land and with it the necessary extension of existing infrastucture.

The Second St House consists of two independent buildings arranged to create a central courtyard. A two-story main residence fronts the site and addresses Second Street as boldly as allowed. A pair of freestanding walls encloses an entry courtyard, where trees mitigate street noise.

The second building is the garage with second story guesthouse and deck. This arrangement creates an L-shape, that, along with the main house, forms the central courtyard. Freestanding masonry walls complete the enclosure.

A driveway passing under the second story of the main house, through the garage and under the guesthouse, connects Second St with a back alleyway, eliminating the need to reverse out onto a busy thoroughfare.

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