Adobe & Adobes:

Adobe is mud or wet clay that is used to cover building infrastructure, or bricks which were historically made of adobe. Adobe as an architectural style refers to originating from the earth-it is simply earth and can return to the earth Rammed adobe is a method of building that creates a frame for the structure, permitting adobe to be stuffed in lieu of bricks.

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Canales:

This drain spout carries water from the building

Corbel:

A carved, and sometimes painted wooden bracket used under ceiling beams or vigas. A double corbel bracket, sometimes called a zapata, is typically placed atop the log posts of portals.

Kiva (Fireplace):

This term is most appropriately used to define a Native American place of worship and ceremony. In this structure, fires were in pits under the smoke hole in the ceiling. However, in more modern times the term kiva is used to define a certain type of fireplace. This fireplace, introduced during Spanish Colonial time, is found in the corner of the room and is bee hive in shape, almost as an extension of the adobe walls. Typically, a kiva has a low hearth rising 6" - 10" from the floor. The flue is round or square, sometimes with a smoke shelf but in Spanish colonial time, there was no damper. In many cases, due to the shape and limited depth of the firebox, wood is stacked vertically against the back corner of the firebox. There is no applied mantel but one that is integral to the adobe which creates the exterior of the kiva.

Latillas (also spelled latias):

Small wood pieces, milled or not, cut to fit between vigas or beams. If placed at a 45-degree angle to the vigas or beams, a herringbone effect is created. This architectural detail which enhances the appearance of the ceiling was historically installed to help prevent dirt from shifting down from the thick dirt roof. This was achieved by placing layers of thatch-like grass above the latillas and below the layer of earth that created the roof.

Nicho:

A recessed area in a wall used to hold lamps, candles, religious statues, and other ornamentation.

Paredcito:

When a kiva-type fireplace is to be placed in the middle of the room and not in a corner, a low wall, or paredcita, is built out from the wall of the building and the fireplace, is then placed in this faux corner of the room. In New Mexico, this is sometimes referred to incorrectly as a padrecito, or little father fireplace.

Portals:

This covered porch, often running the entire length of the building or between two wings, is supported by vertical posts, often topped with corbels or zapatas. Vigas or milled beams provide the top structure, extending from the side walls of the main structure. In historical times, the top of the portal was finished like the roof of a room or covered with cut branches, easily removed in the winter to allow more sun to be absorbed by the building's walls.

Ramada:

Like a portal, this structure provides shelter from the elements and is built of posts and beams, and though the top has openings to the sky, it is often covered to provide storage. Unlike a portal, a ramada is detached from and set apart from the house.

Vigas:

Beams made typically of pine that has been stripped of bark but not milled. These round logs are placed at even
intervals, usually spanning the shortest room dimension. Often they extend beyond the exterior walls, providing aesthetic qualities to the exterior of the house and sometimes providing support for shading materials, which are laid on top.

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All text and illustrations ©The Homes Magazine 2003