Business Details
28 Years
experience
Custom Sustainable Home Builders in Taos, NM
The Salamander Company has been crafting custom homes in the Taos area since 1998, evolving from straw bale construction to incorporate diverse building technologies like adobe, frame, pumice-crete, and SIPs panels. Our approach integrates passive house-inspired methods, prioritizing air and water management systems alongside strategic insulation to ensure energy efficiency and comfort. We emphasize sustainable practices by utilizing regionally sourced materials, including straw bales, adobe bricks, and locally harvested Douglas fir, balancing eco-conscious choices with mainstream building standards. Our expertise extends to custom cabinetry, woodwork, and mosaic tile work, complemented by rainwater catchment systems for domestic and landscaping use.With decades of combined experience, we focus on creative problem-solving, transparency, and client collaboration to deliver homes that harmonize aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Our team maintains a reputation for precision, integrity, and innovation, as evidenced by awards like the Best Whole House Remodel from the Taos News and high client satisfaction ratings on Houzz. We serve Taos, Santa Fe, and surrounding areas, offering tailored solutions for new construction, renovations, and sustainable design projects.
Services
Custom Homes
Home Remodeling
Sustainable Design
Green Building
Custom Cabinetry
Woodwork
Mosaic Tile
Rainwater Systems
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in custom home building and remodeling.
- Our team integrates sustainable materials and passive house-inspired construction methods.
- We prioritize client collaboration and transparent communication throughout every project.
- Our work has earned recognition, including the Taos News Best Whole House Remodel award.
- We specialize in energy-efficient solutions tailored to northern New Mexico's climate.
Associations and certifications
- Best of Houzz Awards
What people say
Beautiful work
Highly professional
Excellent craftsmanship
Creative solutions
Transparent communication
Services
Custom Home Building
We design and build bespoke homes tailored to client needs, using straw bale, adobe, and modern materials. Our process emphasizes energy efficiency, regional aesthetics, and sustainable practices. Clients benefit from personalized attention and decades of expertise in northern New Mexico's unique climate.
Home Remodeling
Our remodeling services transform existing spaces with custom cabinetry, woodwork, and tile installations. We address structural updates, energy efficiency improvements, and aesthetic enhancements while maintaining the home's original character. Clients receive collaborative guidance from concept to completion.
Sustainable Design
We integrate passive house principles, rainwater catchment systems, and locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact. Our designs balance eco-consciousness with functionality, ensuring homes are both energy-efficient and comfortable for long-term living in northern New Mexico.
Green Building
Our green building approach combines straw bale, pumice-crete, and SIPs panels with advanced insulation techniques. We focus on reducing energy consumption through air sealing, radiant heat systems, and solar-ready infrastructure, delivering durable, low-impact homes.
Project Management
We oversee all project phases, coordinating subcontractors and ensuring timely, budget-conscious delivery. Our team handles logistics, material sourcing, and quality control, providing clients with seamless execution and regular progress updates for complex builds and remodels.
People
Patrick O'Brien
Owner / Contractor
Patrick O'Brien founded The Salamander Company in 1998 after gaining experience in cabinet-making and home renovation. He specializes in sustainable building techniques and has led over 20 years of projects in northern New Mexico, focusing on client collaboration and quality craftsmanship.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Taos, Santa Fe, and surrounding areas in northern New Mexico, including Arroyo Seco, El Prado, and Trampas.
What building methods do you specialize in?
We specialize in straw bale, adobe, pumice-crete, and SIPs panel construction, integrating passive house principles for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Can you handle long-distance projects?
Yes, we've successfully completed projects for clients living out of state using regular communication via phone, email, and site visits.
What sets you apart from other builders?
Our focus on sustainable materials, attention to detail, and commitment to client collaboration ensure personalized, high-quality results tailored to northern New Mexico's environment.
Do you offer remodeling services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive remodeling services, including kitchen and bathroom updates, home additions, and historic building conservation projects.
Reviews (4)
Bob Butterfield
Aug 14, 2019
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After moving here 2 years ago and getting acclimated, The Salamaner Company educated us as to why we need the advanced septic system that had been added when an additional bedroom and bath were added on the property. At first we were stunned by the additional cost for maintenance, but now understand this keeps us from having the problems that come with the conventional septic systems. They check it out to keep things from going wrong. They are very pleasant to work with.
Robert Butterfield/Lynn Johnson Elliott
Robert Butterfield/Lynn Johnson Elliott
Kathy Herman
Nov 02, 2018
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I contracted with Patrick O'Brien's company, The Salamander Company to do a total redo my master bath, after talking to 2 other contractors in Taos. I wanted to change the Spanish small painted tile with large grout lines to something cleaner, smoother and softer. It meant a total overhaul, ripping everything out and refitting all the plumbing. That was done by Valverde/Bond plumbing and they did a great job too! Patrick's guys worked tirelessly. Just getting all the old fixtures out was a job. I decided to open the doorways to be handicap compliant for resale value as I have close family and friends
C. Van Berg
Aug 10, 2018
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Salamander Co failed to show up for a scheduled appointment without a call to let us know they wouldn't be there, or to reschedule. I would never trust them to do work for me.
Shirley Murrell
Sep 14, 2017
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These guys were great to build our home we had dreamed about for so long. Their patience was awesome and our beautiful home looks as great as it did 13 years ago
