Adobe is a term, which is commonly used to describe an architectural style, which is found in Southwestern United States and in some Spanish countries. Actually, adobe is a building material, which consists of lightly compacted earth, clay, and straw that is in form of bricks. These bricks are made by using particular construction methods and compositions, changeable according to the climate and local customs. Adobe style homes are inspired by early pueblo houses having flat roofs, adobe wall and heavy timbers. The adobe house plans also include details influenced by the mission style with stucco walls, arched doorways and roof parapets. In many adobe house plans, elements of Spanish Colonial Revival Styles are also included such as red roof tiles, ornamental railings and tiled courtyards.

It is commonly said that once a person lives in a home, made of earth, then he/she would not settle for anything else. Today's adobe house plans are made with combining ancient and modern technologies, which makes them more beautiful and practical. To make own adobe house, one can start with using helpful hoe-to guidebooks. In these books, one would find floor plans, information for construction and many other things associated with construction of adobe house.

The common characteristics found in most of the houses made with adobe house plans are-most of the houses are made up in Revival style, mainly in Southwest region. These houses are also known as Santa Fe style, having low pitched or flat roof. Pitched roof are mainly build by ceramic tiles of Spanish Colonial or Monterey style. Flat roofs are usually made with surrounding parapets like Santa Fe and Pueblo. In adobe house plans, thick masonry walls are constructed of Revival style, often of straw bale or standard construction. It has recessed windows, which are smaller in size and simple doors. Roof beams and cross members normally exposed inside.

Adobe house plans borrow architectural details from the stone or clay homes of early Native Americans, having massive, round edge walls, flat roofs, stepped levels, heavy timbers enlarging through the walls for supporting roof, deep windows and door openings and simple windows. Sometimes they have a corner beehive fireplace, benches attached with walls, niches for placing religious items, heavy wooden doors, and surrounding courtyards. These types of houses are most popular in Southwestern United States and are called Santa Fe or Pueblo houses.

Adobe house plans are becoming popular in many regions because of their distinguished look and uniqueness in architecture. The most common identification of adobe house plans is their roofs, walls, doors and windows. Adobe house plans are also beneficial according to the environment as their walls are commonly built with natural materials like clay and straw. These types of houses are also great for those areas, which are dry and hot. Adobe house plans works efficiently in extreme climates, which is the main reason behind using it. Adobe house plans are well illustrated, and are able to hold heat and cold inside the house for a long period. This generates less electricity bills and maintains a temperature without having large fluctuations.