Inspired by the Pueblo Bonito Great House in Chaco Canyon, the Solvilla lifestyle blends state-of-the-art technology and the convenience of contemporary living with the amenities and security of the traditional community lifestyle. The Solvilla vision seeks to create a neighborhood of diverse individuals that balances the need for personal privacy with the opportunity for deeply rewarding social interaction. Moreover, Solvilla intends to provide a nurturing, family–friendly environment.

      Solvilla will demonstrate innovative ways of living lightly on the Earth. The multi-pueblo village is proposed to be located on 200 acres of beautiful, south sloping land near Santa Fe, New Mexico.  As in Chaco Canyon, individual pueblos will be sited within easy walking distances of each other, with two-thirds of the land devoted to trails and open space. The designers of Solvilla envision a mix of residential, commercial, exposition, retreat and conference pueblos. The common areas will provide  a sense of spacious beauty and connectedness with people and nature. In addition, the village will feature a broad range of community, educational, commercial and recreational services.

      Each residential pueblo will offer approximately 30 individual housing units. Prospective residents can choose from a variety of studio, 1, 2,  and 3 bedroom and home office floor designs. Units will range from 600 square feet to 1,800 square feet. Pueblo residents will have full access to all the community amenities which include:

      • pesticide-free garden areas and greenhouse

      • abundant biking and hiking trails

      • recreational areas

      • community  centers

      • daycare facilities

      • sacred spaces

      Each pueblo is designed for maximum self-sufficiency. High-efficiency energy systems generate hot water, space heating and electricity with the minimum use of external fuels, thereby  reducing energy costs by 50%–80%.  Pueblo rooftops and grounds will collect water from the sky, reducing imported water consumption by up to two-thirds. Gardens will produce food from surrounding landscapes. Everything that can be recycled will be recycled. An internal economy will include external e-commerce networks and on-site or nearby educational and commercial resources. These will help to minimize off-site commuting and lower motor vehicle expenses and vehicle-related air pollution.

   ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

      • Sited along geomantic alignments

      • Pedestrian centered

      • Contemporary southwestern interiors and exteriors

      • Sunspaces and atriums common to most units

      • Numerous interior and exterior growing spaces

      • Energy-efficient windows

      • Abundant daylighting

      • Expansive views from all units

      • Ample fresh air flow-through

      • Natural heating and cooling of interior spaces

      • Nontoxic, natural materials used throughout

Community Center

The Community Center serves as the heart of each residential pueblo. This central gathering place will include facilities for optional common dining for shared meals, workshop and childcare, playrooms, laundry facilities and guest quarters. Individuals and families representing a broad spectrum of ages, cultures and economic backgrounds will find the Community Center a welcome space to join together and enjoy activities of common interest.

ENERGY SYSTEMS

      • Passive solar for space heating

      • Efficient gas-fired appliances

      • High-efficiency lighting

      • Fuel cell/microturbine co-generation centralized power system

      • Radiant floor heating

      • Renewable energy supplemental power

WATER USE, RECYCLING AND CONSERVATION

      • Rooftop catchment and graywater processing provides water for          landscaping and horticulture

      • Biological wastewater treatment system

      • High-efficiency faucets and showerheads minimize overall water

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

   • Full-feature Internet connections

   • Safety and energy use diagnostics

   • Inter-village communications network

   • Cable TV

EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENT

   • Underground utilities

   • Low noise levels

   • Permaculture-designed edible and medicinal landscape features natural       plants that minimize maintenance and water use

   • Healthy landscapes attract abundant wildlife for the pleasure of residents

   • Gardens and fields encourage resident involvement in outdoor work

   • Sacred spaces provide opportunity for contemplation and group celebrations

   • Greenhouses provide indoor space for wintertime growing and horticulture

   • Biking and hiking trails lead to adjacent wilderness areas and connect with       nearby villages and facilities

VILLAGE AMENITIES

   • Community centers provide space for indoor gatherings in each residential     pueblo  

   • Educational complex provides daycare facilities, music rooms, vocational       workshops, computer resources and distance learning

   • Business complex provides telecommunications facilities, high-speed       Internet connections, business incubator and office space

   • Commercial complex provides facilities for retail business (restaurants,       copy and shipping services, food markets)

   • Wellness center provides health care, exercise facilities and a variety of       therapies

   • Home-based and Charter Schools K–12