In a sagebrush and piñon-dotted canyon southeast of Santa Fe, the only sounds breaking the solitude of a sunny afternoon come from the birds. All’s quiet in the old village of Cañada de los Alamos, where the pale yellow bell tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church rises over mud-toned houses.

Just out of reach of an arroyo’s infrequent flows is the tidy residence of Dodie Dean—landscaper, massage therapist, and owner/contractor of her own home. It’s a small space, less than 1,200 square feet spread over two levels. But from the rock-ringed garden that greets visitors bumping up the dirt road to the faded metal chairs on the front porch, this is a home that offers a warm welcome.

What is it that makes a “green” home? Is it photovoltaic systems, gray water reservoirs, recycled lumber, and gadgets galore? Or, can a home’s very “green-ness” boil down to its gentle imprint on the earth and the sense of community inspired by its construction?

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