Huasna Horse Ranch Project
Paragon Designs/ Thom Brajkovich/ Architect
Huasna/ Merriewold Morgan Horse Ranch
Progress is looking good at the new Huasna Ranch for Diana Wold and Don Marszalek. There are five
new buildings being constructed with sustainability and “green” features in place. The first one to be
complete will be the Hay barn and shop.
Hay Barn & Shop: This building will also house the groom and his family. The building is constructed of
EPS, a high density Expanded Polystyrene Foam that is 6” to 8” thick. The obvious advantage of this
product is light weight but the more subtle advantage is that the entire building is generated by a cut list
via the CAD-CAM system on the builder/designer’s computer. The pieces are shipped to the site and
assembled with sheet metal and screws. It is very fast and saves in labor costs and since the roof is the
same material beam spans are longer with less material. See photo below.
Shop and Grooms Quarters.
2-2011!
The other green feature is that unlike conventional wood framing, there is less than 3% waste as
compared to 15% with wood. All leftover pieces are sent back to be recycled to make new foam.
The Stables and Arena: Great progress is also being made on the stables and adjacent regulation horse
arena. It is so exciting to see the progress.
Stables
2-2011
The plasterers are waiting to put on the final color coat and the interiors are being fitted with cabinets
and finish work. The roof is on and stone is being applied to the columns .
The Main house and Caretakers residence: The caretaker’s residence site has been graded and the
foundation is poured. The main residence is coming along well. The framing is well underway and
details are being thought out at early stages. The house is designed to have contemporary features and
energy efficient features. Some of the “Green” aspects of the house will be as described below:
~ Passive solar design with south facing windows and overhangs. Low E dual glazed windows.
~Clerestory windows and thermal massing. Stained concrete floors
~Thick wall insulation and radiant heated floors
~Sustainable use of finish materials such as bamboo and cork and recycled wood products
The Main House under construction
2-2011!
Paragon Designs/ Thom Brajkovich/ Architect
