When Jim Hubbell began construction on his sprawling home, he was not the world-renowned organic architect he is today. Hubbell is now an internationally recognized sculptor, author, speaker, craftsman and builder who, although in demand worldwide, doesn't like to leave his homey creation. Thirty years ago, Jim and his wife enlisted the help of friends to erect the first adobe, block-shaped section of their home. Along with their four sons, the Hubbells initially lived only in the first structure, but the compound kept growing, building by building, spreading across a two-and-a-half-acre plot of land. Because Jim determined his timeline depending on his financial resources, the buildings evolved, one section at a time, over three decades. The architecture, both inside and out, was designed with a holistic approach and to produce the lowest possible impact on the environment. The building that houses Jim's workspace is made from an interior pipe system with bent pipes and I-beams instead of the usual combination of concrete and rebar. This section has earned the moniker "the Bat Cave" because of its appearance and because its summertime visitors include these flying mammals. The interior is composed of loft spaces that blend into one another, giving the illusion of abundant space. In addition to his large studio and storage area, Jim created a natural-looking pool and playhouse for his sons. Inside the boys' house, Jim used stained glass and provided his trademark tile work. The third building Hubbell put up is a small gallery topped by a sculpture and tiled in blue to echo the color of the sky.
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