The EcoNest Company, located in Tesuque, New Mexico (near Santa Fe), was founded by Robert Laporte and Paula Baker-Laporte. Robert Laporte is a timber framer and natural house building pioneer and teacher. Paula Baker-Laporte is an architect, baubiologist and author specializing in healthy and ecological design. Since 1994, Robert and Paula have been co-creating EcoNests - homes which embody the principles of sustainable building, health and beauty.

Paula and her team (EcoNest Design) work with clients to design their dream eco-homes. Robert and his team (EcoNest Building) build the shells and special home features. Together they teach seminars and workshops. This web site will introduce you to the concept of the EcoNest and to the people who create them.

Read our book EcoNest, Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw, and Timber by Paula and Robert, published by Gibbs Smith. Order your personalized copy.

New EcoNest events listed in our Calendar! (see our 2008 schedule)

What is an EcoNest?

For most of us, our home is our center. It should be a sanctuary that nurtures body, mind and spirit. Sadly, standard homes today are built with little regard for our health or the environment. There are better ways to build; a home can be the focal point for health and sustainability.

The EcoNest is our simple solution. Health, ecology and sustainability begin at home in an EcoNest. These elegant, hand-crafted homes utilize natural building techniques including: timber framing, clay/straw walls, earth plastering and natural, non-toxic finishes throughout. The clay/straw walls of each home are built during a 4-day workshop lead by the EcoNest Building team. See our Portfolio of homes.

The first step to becoming an EcoNest client is to attend a seminar or workshop and to become educated in the natural building system utilized by the EcoNest Building Company.

EcoNest Training - Workshops and Seminars

(Attendees from the first EcoNest Builder Training Intensive, Spring 2008)

TURNING YOUR DREAM INTO REALITY - Some Food for Thought by Michele & Don Johnson

The EcoNest Building Company offers courses and workshops to teach you how to build these lovely homes. Workshop schedule for 2008.

• EcoNest 2-Day Seminar - Turning Your Dream Into Reality
• EcoNest 5-Day Timber Frame Workshop
• EcoNest Intensive 11-Day Builder Training Workshop
• EcoNest Apprenticeship Program
• Workshop Comments - photos and comments from seminars and workshops

Contact us for more information or register online.

Watch an EcoNest as it is built! Bonnie McGowan, the founder of the "Birds of a Feather" community in Pecos NM, is documenting her building project on her website: www.flock2it.com

We are excited to share with you that Paula Baker-Laporte was recently named one of the top 10 green architects by Natural Home Magazine.

Employment Opportunities

Eco-Timber Framer / Carpenter

The EcoNest Company, a nationally recognized ecologically based design-build company, is seeking an experienced, energetic timber framer/carpenter to join our team. Read More. . .

Publications

Paula Baker-Laporte's new book was just released this May! From foundation to rooftop, to home care and repair, Prescriptions for A Healthy House takes the mystery out of healthy-house building, renovation and maintenance, by walking the owner/architect/builder team through the entire construction process. Chapters include: Frame Construction alternatives Thermal and moisture control Finishes, Flooring and Furnishings The authors - an architect, medical doctor and restoration consultant - bring a singular combination of expertise and perspectives to this book. The result - now in its third completely updated edition, is a unique guide to creating healthy indoor and outdoor spaces, including many new resources, as well as specialized knowledge from several nationally recognized experts in the field of building biology. Paula Baker-Laporte, FAIA, is the principal architect and founder of Baker-Laporte and Assoc. and EcoNest Design. John C. Banta, CAIH, is a senior indoor environmental consultant for Restoration Consultants, Inc. Erica Elliott, MD, is a medical doctor specializing in environmental medicine and family practice.

Prescriptions for a Healthy House A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders & Home Owners by Paula Baker-Laporte New Society, 2008

EcoNest: Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw, and Timber by Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte Gibbs Smith, 2005

See our complete list of publications.

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Articles

"Healing by Design" by Nancy Zimmerman Winter/Spring 2006 issue Santa Fe Trend

"The Healthful House" by Paula Baker-Laporte April 2005 issue Inspired House

"A Breath of Fresh Air" by Paula Baker-Laporte March 2002 Natural Home

See our complete list of articles.

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