Finds eroded shack, revamps it into heritage landmark home

When Ju Tan and Courtney Janak searched for a home in Santa Fe’s historic downtown neighborhood, the only affordable spot was an un-permitted shack on a corner lot well-exposed to passersby and in danger of the adjacent eroding hillside.
“The lot sits in a depression and I remember the first time I came, I thought, ‘oh, this is really bad feng shui’”, explains Tan. “It didn’t feel good at all, but when I walked into the site somehow I felt like it could work, there could be a nice nestled feeling within the site to build a house.”
They filled in what had been a literal cut in the hill, built retaining walls, and began nestling their home onto the small lot. To achieve the required Pueblo-Revival style look of the neighborhood, they opted not to use adobe since it would have required an expensive 4-foot-thick wall (to reach efficiency standards) and instead built with stick frame and a stucco/cement cladding in earth tones.
Appreciating the feel of natural materials, they chose adobe for the floor and Tan spent weeks treating it with a linseed oil finish (for both colors and as a sealant).
With no real carpentry experience, Tan built most of the shelving and much of the furniture in the home using recycled wood. He created a stain for the kitchen cabinets and shelves using a mix of vinegar, rusted metal, and water.
The roof is outfitted with wooden “canales”, rainwater drains projecting out from flat roofs on Santa Fe Style houses and water is captured in barrels with a total capacity of 300 gallons which Tan uses for watering.
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[@sashastarshanti3599]

I was born in Albuquerque, we lived in Old Town for a while, and in a part adobe old home. My grandmother is from Zuni Pueblo, and the colors and textures of NM are in my dna. Even though I now live by the ocean in NC, I'll always love NM's sacred beauty, it lives in my heart. And, this home is an absolutely beautiful personification of the spirit of Sante Fe.

[@tranquilityrules]

PLZ START SEED ART of Santa Fe on NC's coastal cities for prime develipment there ! Emcouraging optimum bz

[@freedomforever1962]

More... or Less.

[@judem429]

I’m from Santa Fe too. Did you cringe every time she said Santa FE instead of SANTA Fe?

[@littlsuprstr]

it's incredible how well that vernacular architecture melds with modern architecture. it's beautiful.

[@HLR4th]

I love how he took a lot with many challenges and made it sing.

[@marquamfurniture]

Agreed! Solving a difficult site with vision and ingenuity netted a fantastic outcome.

[@JJ-di6ws]

Ju is a genuine craftsman artist who still finds joy in the products and details he created. love the way he touches stuff when he talks about them. kudo's to him and his family beautiful home

[@pattimessenger6214]

He is quite brilliant too. Every aspect of that house was thought out quite well.

[@willbass2869]

'Genuine craftsman artist'? The guy did good work but let's not go overboard. That's just a little too much.

[@mistymountainswhisper2035]

From an design standpoint, this house, including the interior furnishings, is a 10/10 and a model for 'modern rustic'. It is absolutely fantastic and I'm in awe.

[@europeanliving6077]

Agreed!, Stunning Home 😉😉😉

[@checkmatefurries286]

A lot of respect for Ju actually working on his home. I used to be a construction worker and I would hate when rich home owners walked though with their pals and said they are building this or that...like, no you're paying people to build it, cut themselves, get headaches, sweat to build it. Ju seems like a really cool and no pun intended down to earth dude. This house is so cool too.

[@antoniapaulinadelgado1680]

Well said, where would we be without the hard working builders like yourself.👍🙂

[@m.brandon6544]

With an attitude like that it's really no wonder you "used to be" a construction worker. Do you know who's idea it was which gave you a job in the first place?

[@checkmatefurries286]

M. Brandon lol I used to be a construction worker because I was working as I finished by degree. I’m now living internationally working in 3D printing industry. I kept all my opinions to my self champ.

[@d.e.7467]

@@checkmatefurries286 "attitude" Oh, the irony.

[@issecret1]

Then what are they paying you for? Were you working for free? My father helps construction workers all the time and they always take advantage of that.

[@whatif8408]

This is an amazing house. It looks like a simple adobe house, but the engineering and forethought that went into it makes it very complex.

[@mzmr9362]

This is near Cerro Gordo/Montoya Circle. My great grandparents built their home there generations ago and were Montoyas, indigenous people forced to live in the hillside and build their homes by hand. The street still bears their name.

[@guachingman]

I hope Iñigo Montoya got his revenge in the end.

[@JWB671]

@@guachingman as you wish

[@hoperules8874]

Wow! What a rich history of resilience! You are very blessed!

[@freedomforever1962]

Oh.... I thought it was off Garcia Street. 🤔

[@janetdupree6353]

I love the house and the back story.

[@AfricancoolChic]

The wood in the house really warms up the space otherwise it would look cold and unfinished. It feels cosy and calm inside with the materials used and I quite like the earthy muted tones.

[@Kishgofu]

I love the untreated walls and the rejection of paint. I too like texture. This is a very, very nicely designed house. One of my favourites on your channel so far, and i've been subscribed for years and years.

[@ec9833]

I just wish this for everyone. Anyone that has a vision, a dream to create whatever sanctuary they imagine, comforting and invigorating them, appropriate, of course, to the population...I wish everyone could do such things. I think everyone deserves such enveloping comfort and security in their home, let alone everyone deserving shelter in the first place.

[@gailalbers1430]

i love the natural interior elements; i also love the different volumes, it looks like a naturally grown santa fe home, this kind of architecture lends itself so well to adding rooms

[@janewolfe9137]

I lived in Albuquerque for 30 years & miss it terribly- the beauty, the air, the weather, the food, the arts, the mixture of cultures & the children.

[@tinekejoldersma]

Such a beautiful organic formed home, I love how he build it from scratch and she slowly fell in love with it. The garden, the overflow, the Feng Sui, all is done so harmonious. His daughters' room is his wish from his youth, yet she loves to sit at the table, all made by him. It really opened my heart to walk through it with you, Kirsten. Thank you.

[@Richardparent879]

I love everything about this house, especially the natural interior colors! It's so calming and has a very warm cozy ambiance.

[@neneirene]

Loved this, as always. I love hearing people talk about how they built their homes and created their own particular nest while learning about technical facts about construction. The best of both worlds.

[@KM-nq7ez]

I just LOVE how beautiful this is...really really lovely

[@jeffstumpf9129]

This may be my favorite “Dirksen” video. I love this home.

[@reddymon]

My first project as a contractor was for a prominent Reno art dealer who wanted a Pueblo style house. It was much like this house, a stuccoed wood frame structure. Ceilings were tradition Vegas and latillas imported from New Mexico by the owner. Floors were all brick. Seeing this nice project bought back a lot of old memories for me.

[@luv2dancesalsa465]

It’s another “sad” autospell event... vigas (my autospell wanted to change it to Vegas, as well). I lived outside Santa Fe [in Eldorado]. 20 years Albuquerque (youth thru college at UNM), Corrales, Alamogordo, Las Cruces and returned to purchase a home in the Rio Grande Conservancy District of ABQ. Sandia High graduate. Even though I’d been all those places in NM, it wasn’t until the Eldorado home, with vigas, latillas, saltillo tile floors, and where we had a kiva fireplace did I learn how to build a “proper teepee” fire. I loved seeing it again. New Mexico is ethereal and this video completely embodies it.

[@wirelesmike73]

There's just something about this aesthetic that I love. The look of the wood and the use of the real adobe floors really sets it off. And I agree that those raw interior walls have a great look as well. Nicely done. From the outside, it almost looks like a tiny village. So nice.

[@ruralangwin]

What a charming man. So calm. But imagine his much energy it took to build this?

[@debrap947]

Not my style at all...but wow, such a cozy, inviting space. I am not sure if the warmth comes from the home or the lovely couple...maybe both. Such a lovely, gifted and creative man.

[@michaeloconnor1479]

here, here.

[@Hyungbu]

I have no idea how may videos I have watched on this channel, many. They have all been pretty good well made mini-docs of peoples lives and ideas. This is probably the most amazing one so far. The way in which the builder and his family explained the purpose of the choices they made to create a most wonderful living space...Just wonderful.

[@jamespetro3926]

he is so frickin humble but so very very talented need him as a good friend

[@buickjam]

I love how you let them tell their story. It is fun to watch so many of your episodes where the home is so much more than a house to the people you interview

[@maartenarnou]

What a great architect. This is an incredible upgrade to that corner lot of land. So much personally and soul went into this home. A great place to live, for a wonderful family. 👍

[@ashleymarks6144]

Ju’s daughter didn’t roll her eyes once. 😉. I love the vibe of the house.

[@WaywardLifeSailing]

What a gorgeous space! This is the kind of home I used to dream about having as a child.

[@katerineella274]

This man is my lost twin! I adore the respectful and joyous way he talks about his work. The rooms are very soothing.

[@angelaberni8873]

It's sublime !!! Thank you for sharing with us your amazing home and I wish to thank everyone involved with the making of this video as it's perfection. No annoying music or commentary from voices that grate on one's nerve's. This is how every house tour should be presented. Well done everyone !!!👏👏👏

[@michaeloconnor1479]

I totally agree. This whole project is so inspiring, to say the least.

[@Vash_Carrison]

This place is beautiful. Architecturally historic with modern aesthetics and amenities. I dig it.

[@floratious]

Thank you so much, Kirsten! I’ve been a fan since 2013. This build is inspiring! From “bad feng shui” to awesome!

[@TheWirdbird]

I was born and raised in ABQ, NM. Going to Santa Fe was something I regularly did. The architecture, the adobe homes, the colors, the wonderful food, I sure miss it. Also one of my favorite things to do was to travel around the state and visit the old town areas. I always hoped to live in an old adobe house, but can’t afford to!

[@morayahp-c4343]

I saw this house on the market and scratched my grey cells ... THANK YOU for making this a sanctuary and for sharing and showing it ... awesomeness!, Santa Fe living 💖💖

[@ravent3016]

One can tell this is a peaceful, happy home. Great vibes. I love the walls' soft color and texture. Nice landscaping for the climate, and I like that they collect rainwater and solar energy.

[@cocopeach21]

I like how they're showing all this self-made stuff, the table, the cabinets, their daughter. lol

[@gregoryclark7566]

The amount of respect, attention to historical details, and skillful renovation is great. I love your beautiful home and wish you all the best for the future.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

My goodness, for a self-proclaimed "city boy" with no skills for carpentry or building, he sure did an amazing job on this house and garden. What would he have accomplished if he did have "skills?" Though the interior was a little dark for me, I absolutely loved the warm, cozy, and rustic aesthetic of the home.

[@helgafalckenberg6635]

This house has so many good vibes, thoughts and labor, wish it was mine

[@aidaville]

Is Ju Tan formerly from Singapore or Malaysia ? His accent is so familiar. What a wonderful family home in a lovely city ! In terms of design, I LOVE how the home was kept to the adobe style with gorgeous painstaking handiwork, and from one who admitted he grew up in a city with very rudimentary experience in woodworking. Kirsten's channel is such a pleasure : a natural, honest approach, letting the people and homes speak for themselves.

[@ritakisil1508]

After a few sentences, am wondering if he’s originally from Malaysia or Singapore. That’s before he was on the video, I knew he sounded South East Asian Chinese. Enjoyed this video, thank you very much.

[@ihaddox1199]

One of the prettiest homes I've ever seen. Wow.

[@paranoidhumanoid]

For someone with zero wood working experience, Mr. Tan is a master craftsman and designer!

[@galkema]

Amazing craftsmanship!

[@lipitslamjam5580]

Kirsten..Can't thank you enough for your wonderful channel, I wait everyday for a new video , hope your around forever!

[@ChazEvansdale]

Their style is similar to Japandi, which is my current favorite. It has simple off color walls with a slight texture because of the material, beautiful wood accents, and neutral color furniture. I love it!

[@suze6083]

I love this house. Everything about it. I wouldn’t really change anything. It’s so zen, so many nice details and different texture, color, materials...they have great taste. Beautiful!

[@biclogypsy2041]

Yet another amazing video; Amazing videography and "story telling", and amazing homeowners whose creative vision, blood, sweat and tears made this amazing home. So much character and class. Brings back many fond memories of visiting New Mexico. I'm so happy there are families out there who are enriching their neighborhoods and community with these Labors of Love. Absolutely lovely home and cool family. THANKS to both Kristen & Nicholas for another inspirational video, and Ju & Courtney for sharing their home with us.....and for Siena for tolerating the dorky adults invading her space. I'm sure they edited out her "eye rolls"

[@tristanlee6538]

This is an owner who have respect for nature and passion for his works. This is what make a house into a home. Kudos to you Ju. May you find maybe great blessing in this house and am sure the feng shui is awesome after you done this up now

[@urawinner1987]

I can watch and listen to them talk about their home all day! Their home is really warm and cozy.

[@nimfadg7554]

Thanks for a good unique house feature: I could live there. And oh, the builder-owner reminds me of my DIY- skillful dad who in the days past during his life in the ministry could make things more comfortable sans the facilities at which we found the place, because he could fashion out something for the use of the family. Indeed, it is true that it is us who can ennoble a place no matter in what state we got it. Kudos!

[@bahaiwebsites]

Architect John Gaw Meme was the author of Pueblo Revival Style, which was adopted by Santa Fe for marketing in the 1930’s. Most older buildings are conventional under the adobe facades.

[@maggygraham2218]

That was my third time through this video. It's like watching a favorite movie, memorizing every thing as it unfolds, every color, every feature, every detail.

[@saibliss7976]

When you can embrace nature, native traditions and place your own loving foot print in your living space it creates a beautiful home like this one.👌💖

[@richardharrison7961]

I was a career painter, and artist. I like his idea to minimize paint. It looks like he has actually eliminated it. I want to try the stain formula. Love the walls and floors. The Vermeer looks good on the vinegar stained wall.

[@greencagar1355]

This house is beyond one's imaginations... simple, natural, earthly, beautiful and cosy. We need to re-think about how we build houses. Man-made materials are polluting our planet, so it's an urgent matter to do the switch to houses like this. Thank you for the upload video.

[@1803sunnyday]

I ❤️ NM. Hope to see more houses from this area. There are so many interesting houses there.

[@michelemurphy3541]

When I lived in NM (Cruces) I discovered rather quickly, gardening is VERY different from Connecticut | Austin TX. Rosemary, Oregano and Sage do exceptionally well and then you have to heavily rely on local regional plants-which, once you figure it out, are stunning. This right here, is my dream-there are properties all throughout NM that could be made incredible and I dream about what these amazing people did, constantly. What a wonderful couple…I love an artist and I love people who want to make the space around them beautiful. It’s wonderfully inspirational ❤️❤️❤️.

[@felipeiglesias]

Wow, finally a real house make for people living in there. This guy is my hero, incredibly wise and humble at the same time. Nice work.

[@simonadamson9261]

I will build something like this one day. Love the shapes, colours and practicality elements. Little masterpiece.

[@sassygirl2.083]

Beautiful home, beautiful family,you and your wife have done a lot of hard work and you can see it all through this house.I wish my husban would build me a house like that! I wish you,much happiness,long life and much love.☺️💞

[@Drewbag44]

Truly remarkable. It's so asthetically pleasing. What a beautiful home and area it is located. Tis nice to see the different themes and looks of homes and areas around the world. Ju and his family are lovely people. He is so respectful holding back the floods for his neighbours :)

[@kalebrosenberg8294]

I really like the DIY and hands-on mentality of that guy. He's not scared to admit that he's not a professional.

[@danskdna8550]

If it were in my budget, I would hire him...very thoughtful about every little detail. His home is my dream home.

[@stevenmathieson5713]

never long enough, could watch for hours, thank you.

[@carbide1968]

I always wanted to live in the southwest as i am sick and tierd of Michigan snow and the cold. Nearly 8 months of the year i am stuck inside and this home ju made is beautiful and a dream home. I have over 1 acre of property surrounded by woods and a pole barn but like i said if you don't like freezing cold then it's useless more than half a year. I love this channel and seeing all the cool places people have made their home.

[@JuliaB1955]

Northern NM is is very cold and snowy. If it's 11 degrees here in Taos County, maybe 75 miles north of SFe and an average of 7,500 feet elevation, then it's maybe 16 to 18 degrees in SFe. You probably want southern New Mexico's low elevation and much warmer clime. Carlsbad is always warm.

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

What lovely people, LOVE that master bathroom, perfect in everyway.

[@marquamfurniture]

So much heart and soul. Very elegant in an organic way. Unique spaces!

[@DontEatTheAnimals]

That is one of the nicest houses I have ever seen. Kudos to Ju Tan. How many cats live there, I wonder.

[@OscarOliverah]

Beautiful house, beautiful home.

[@dhamma58]

Never forgotten the lit sacks on the roof edges which are beautiful and magical in the evenings. And as a builder in a non-freezing climate, how deep the water valves were in the street was a revelation...

[@sldrgrl20downzerotogo11]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@indiracamotim2858]

I am in love ! Omg ! Such a beautiful house that spoke directly to my heart. I am so glad that I was able to see this video. Blessings on the owners. 🪔🌺🌸🪔🌸🌺♥️❤️🪔🌸🌺🪔

[@Mr62msaenz]

I applaud both of you. Beautiful house, beautiful home. Fantastic craftsmanship Mr. Tan.

[@pixiew9767]

I love this style so much. What an extraordinary place to live, so calm and tranquil.

[@janieterrel681]

I grew up in my Great Grandmothers New Mexico adobe home with 16 inch walls,,,,,which they built in the late 1800’s. It had south windows and a thick adobe floor. It was passive solar before those descriptive words ever were thought of. It was very warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the insulation properties of adobe are EXCELLENT,,,, it has stayed strong for over 125 years, and my grandchildren live it even now here in 2023!! I would choose a well built adobe over a stick house any day of the week!!!

[@robbin4720]

Well done Ju! Loved all your small touches and recycling themes like the garage door with double vents etc. A real labour of love!

[@R.A.K.W.]

Kirsten, your videos are as perfect as are the subjects you chose. I could watch your uploads all day. Thank you!

[@JackYourBodTee]

Absolutely beautiful home and so full of wonderful, natural means in the finishes chosen. I also love that your programming is a refreshing contrast in many ways, to other channels. It feels like sincere conversations are taking place around the stories told. You are an excellent observer, listener and producer! Seeing your family sometimes as part of the episodes, even more appealing. Happy New Year to you and yours! Muchísimas bendiciones y grandes felicidades!

[@ronsmith1364]

The separate 'showings' threw me, its like a timeshare his time & then my time. The found carpentry & details of using repurposed & over bought material succeeds in a glorious manner. Modern construction with a stunning veneer of 1000 yo construction technique. Nothing is wrong with this space, just a hope for a bit of permie edible landscaping along with the rosemary... Both parties, for filming & allowing thank you.

[@Charles31822]

Love this house.

[@valerie-yield-on-green]

This house is gorgeous in its simplicity. Wonderful!

[@charlotteschaefers5129]

Thank for the tour of your fascinating house that you put so much of yourself into. Beautiful!

[@stevedolesch9241]

I like the design and the material. Indeed, when one can do it with good friends is a joy.

[@jenslanger812]

The house looks and feels so in sync with nature and Mother Earth, you just have to love it. It is like spirituality built in.

[@graefx]

I love the combining of the traditional and new

[@mzansime]

What a beautiful, thoughtfully designed, home. And what a lovely family. 💕

[@Franaflyby]

I'm really missing Santa Fe . My roots are there. I am here.

[@Shrimp37]

Good job Mr. Tan! You have a very cool home. I appreciate your knowledge on adobe R values and the thoughtful mix of traditional and modern.

[@stacymoffatt]

I absolutely love this house.

[@ladyfae4797]

So beautiful and soothing! I love the colors and shapes

[@luisv7117]

Ms. Dirksen thank you for such an incredible time journey to nature.

[@soldtobediers]

Reminded of Don Van Vliet's response to David Letterman; when asked what his painting meant to him. Don replied - ''I'm just trying to turn myself inside out.'' The same can be said here of the inner beauties of both the recorder & recorded.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

AKA Captain Beefheart...

[@barbleigh5571]

Lovely beautiful home. A real treasure from so much hard work. Thank you for sharing.

[@swingnigloo]

Inspiring! Thanks you Kirsten.

[@peterxyz3541]

THIS IS NICE!!!! I’m pondering rammed earth wall or hemp-crete or straw bail plaster wall insulation.

[@marycompogno5665]

Wow what a beautiful home and lots of love and care went into it. Like the way it blends in with nature also.😎

[@sunshineseaandvitamind8620]

What a beautiful home, wow what talent this man has! Simply brilliant.

[@douglasharley2440]

*love it!* beautiful, practical, smart, cozy, homey, elegant...amazing vision, amazing execution.

[@Natasha76234]

OMG this home is absolutely gorgeous

[@empireofpeaches]

Wonderful, what a comfortable looking home. Thanks