Beautiful designs using simple and effective construction techniques to create strong, durable and economically practical homes and additions.
The Remodel Home – Located in Salida, Colorado
The house was remodeled to improve energy efficiency. The layout of the house remained basically the same with the exception of the addition of a new front porch, a sloped roof over the current flat roof, a few changes to the kitchen and a few changes to the owners bath. Mold was found and removed throughout the building even though it was only 20 year old.
The old siding was removed and exterior insulation was added including around the foundation. Insulation was also added under the new roof and between the garage and the main house. All windows were replaced throughout. The house ended up being very air tight and an energy recovery ventilator was added to move fresh air into the house. Radon mitigation was added reducing in house radon by a factor greater than 10 and from almost a factor of 4 above recommended limits to a factor of 2 less than the recommended limit.
All gas appliances were replaced and gas was disconnected from the house. The gas fireplace was replaced with a wood stove, the gas range was replaced with an electric range and induction cook top, the hot water heater with a heat pump hot water heater and the gas boiler was replaced with a heat pump system.
A 10 kW solar panel array was added and the electric connection to the grid was upgraded to support the new heat pump heating system. A car charger was also added.
The house is now net zero and has sent more energy to the grid than it has drawn from the grid, this includes charging of the electric vehicle.
See more photos of this home 
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Located in Salida, Colorado. This 1000 sq ft building used as an accessory dwelling continues to result in custom building at it’s finest. Especially the lighting, paint, and flooring stands out in this one!
The Showcase House
Located in Saguache, Colorado. The Showcase House illustrates the custom craftsmanship of Araysun Construction. Unique ceilings, hand-hewn doors, detailed tiling and handcrafted stone and hardwood floors show the highest quality of construction and design in this eco-friendly house.
The Farm House
The Farm house is an 1,805 sq ft farm house style single family home with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. One bedroom serves as a studio apartment complete with a full bath, mini-kitchen and a separate entrance through a hand wrought iron spiral staircase leading to a balcony with mountain views.
Wagon Wheel Home
The home includes a main house with an attached sunroom, detached office with kitchen, small 2-story guest cottage, a battery house (that floats!), an adobe chicken coop and gardens surrounding the building and located throughout the property.
Adobe House
Located in Crestone, CO overlooking Challenger Peak, this home is a post and beam hybrid custom design that features 14” adobe floors and wall to wall ½” adobe plaster. White clay alize provides breathability and augments the natural lime plaster. The home also offers in floor radiant heating, an on demand hot water heater, a shower with a hot tub and sustainable cork, tile and hardwood flooring.
Log House
This 1,720 sq. ft. home was built in 2005 and is constructed of recycled solid oak dovetail logs. The interior is earthen plaster and the finished walls are covered in handmade clay alize paints. The floor coverings are tile, adobe and hand-hewn hardwood (pecan, white oak, red oak, walnut). The upstairs is wall to wall carpeting.
Custom Garage
Located in Salida, CO, this garage was customized to match the existing home. Unfinished interior.