New Mexico Ingenuity on Easter Island

New recycled glass wall and old explorers

Long before we arrived here on Easter Island, we have been fascinated by the work of Taos architect Michael Reynolds and his Earthship Biotecture.  Click here to see his website.  Reynolds has become internationally famous for his unique sustainable architecture, buildings made of nearly entirely recycled materials from used automobile tires to used bottles, cans, and other building materials.  He creates spaces that collect rainwater for daily and household uses, and then treats the wastewater through plants and natural filtration systems.  The power supply takes advantage of natural light and stored solar power.  One of Reynolds' current projects is here on Easter Island, a free music school for the Rapa Nui children.  Concert pianist, music teacher and Easter Island resident Mahani Teave is the leader of this movement to put a music school on the island.  See her website here.  Her story is an inspirational one----she is now using her U.S. music training and concert performances to bring the gift of music to this special place.  The combination of architect Reynolds and teacher Teave, along with hundreds of volunteers and local workers, has the school off to a good start.  Shelly and I visited the school site, and were very impressed with the progress being made. It is a model for sustainable construction in places like this one with few natural resources.  We are some proud New Mexicans, knowing our state's connection to this wonderful project.   Here are some shots.

Recycled glass bottle wall brings in light and color

There are 8 classroom pods in a flower shape
on a gorgeous setting overlooking the Pacific

There were dozens of volunteers from the world over
working on the construction in late 2014--a local crew
trained by Reynolds and Earthship continues

Aluminum cans means recycling and less concrete

Creative use of glass and plastic bottles makes beautiful
and colorful walls

Used car tires add structure and strength to walls

Each classroom has beautiful natural light

A hidden water tank collects rainwater from the roof
and sends it into the water system for re-use

Another view of the hidden water tank

Tire stemwall has electrical outlets

Even the lumber has been recycled and re-used from other projects

The name of the music school:  Toki

Beautiful classroom walls, just in, from the trash bin!

Shelly demonstrates how glass and plastic are combined
to have clear glass outside, colored flowers inside