because this model's on a mission.
I’ve been a bit delinquent in my web posts as of late. This is what happens when you’re in the beginning stages of a new business. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had time to take a few trips: Taos being one of them. This past month I met up with my good friend Paul who decided to pack up and head to New Mexico to build some Earthships. I had never heard of them until one night he encouraged me to watch Garbage Warrior.
Earthships are basically self-sustaining homes equipped with everything from passive solar heating/cooling, greywater catchment; black water recycling; sustainable, recycled or reclaimed frames; natural ventilation systems; indoor and outdoor gardens; and a host of other neat features. Mike Reynolds, the founder of Earthship biotecture, at one point had his architectural license revoked until he received an opportunity to reapply for it again once they realized he was onto something valuable. Ah, the price of Genius.
The concept and execution of a completely self-sustaining home is an exciting prospect. Tens of thousands of earthships have been built all around the world – but Taos, New Mexico is definitely the capital of Earthship City. Check them out if you’re even remotely interested in Living off the Grid.
Thinking of jumping off the bridge into the Rio Grande…and then we looked down.
Different form in order to get into a handstand.
But can still achieve the same result.
There I am, poking fish again in the Phoenix – ultimate house in Taos.
Paul likes to exaggerate how big everything is.
That’s us climbing up and off the Earthships.
Damon’s pasty (but lissome, limber) legs
Paul’s hands move into frame to grab Damon’s ass. Very Brokeback Taos.
Progression of laughter.
E.V.E. on the way of getting built.
Taos “stained glass”
Very cool home? Did you get to visit any others? How long has he been building this one?
This one – The Phoenix – is always constantly being improved/worked out. Some of his others are 40+ years old. I got to visit/tour/stay in a few different others – all are quite different – and it’s neat to see the entire building process.
[...] Green Building: A recent trip to The Eartship Headquarters in Taos, New Mexico inspired this article for ABOVE Magazine. The editor, Randall and I tore ourselves away from the [...]
A friend just made me aware of earthships in the Taos area. I lived in Albuqueque for 2 years and have always wanted to go back to live. Maybe this would be an option for me . I am single, but have my own home here in Logan, UT. I would have to buy an earthship on contract how ever long it would take to sell my home. I actually would like to find something even less expensive than my home now. It must be worth over $150,000. I’d like more information in order to feel that this is something I can do possibly in the next five years or less. I am very intrigued by this concept of living. A leap of faith, but one I think I would be satisfied with since I fell in love with New Mexico.