Sustainable Solutions
* Cultural and Environmental Impact
Proximity of any development to Taos Pueblo leading to potential disruptions to the cultural heritage and natural landscape of the Red Willow People. Consultations with the Taos Pueblo, seek advice and guidance regarding the development, its designs and systems and general concept must occur.
East View Shed from the East
Solution: The Pangea Community Development is designed to celebrate and preserve Taos Culture.
Central to the development is a Cultural Arts and Community Center, envisioned as an “embassy” for the rich cultures of Taos, New Mexico, providing a dedicated building for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and education about our cultural traditions in Taos, New Mexico. Revenue-sharing initiatives ensure that the economic benefits from tourism, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism programs directly support the people of Taos, New Mexico – specifically allocated to fund affordable housing addressing critical housing needs.
Additionally, a portion of the food produced in the Earthship Walipinis is to be shared with all people of Taos, New Mexico, enhancing food security (and ultimately food sovereignty) and providing fresh, organic produce.
Partnerships with local artisans and entrepreneurs can further create opportunities for showcasing traditional crafts and skills, strengthening cultural preservation while fostering sustainable economic growth.
These collaborations underscore the development’s commitment to honoring the land and its people through innovative, inclusive, and culturally respectful design and general operations.
* Scale and Density: Must Not be disproportionate to the existing rural character of the area and cannot set a precedent for further large-scale developments.
* Traffic and Infrastructure Strain: The influx of new residents and businesses must not inappropriately increase traffic and place too much strain on existing infrastructure.
Solution: Pangea Community Development: 111 +/- buildings total. Residential: (83 buildings) / Commerical: (28 buildings). Setting an example and benchmark of what Taos will accept for all future development.
* Water Resource Management: Concern for substantial water demands, particularly in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue. Fear of depleting local aquifers and negatively impacting the Taos Valley watershed.
Solution: Water resource management in the Pangea Community focuses on sustainability and regenerative design where we put much more water into the ground than what is taken out. The primary water source is rainwater harvesting systems, supplemented by well backup water for regular use. Fewer than three wells are planned within the development for emergency purposes only, minimizing groundwater extraction and ensuring a resilient, environmentally friendly approach to water use. For every 20 gallons taken out of the ground, we expect to put 80 gallons back in through regenerative systems.
* Waste Water Management: Development’s ability to handle wastewater sustainably. Fear of large-scale wastewater systems leading to contamination of nearby water sources and posing long-term risks to the region’s ecosystem. Alternatives, such as decentralized or closed-loop systems, must be adequately emphasized.
Solution: Wastewater management in the Pangea Community uses greywater planters septic systems and blackwater botanical planters to treat waste water sustainably. Treated ‘clean greywater’ is reused for irrigation in regenerative micro-farms and non-potable needs, creating a closed-loop and regenerative system that conserves resources and minimizes environmental impact.
