A new project aimed at solving two of the community’s most pressing challenges—attainable housing and expanding year-round local fresh produce options—is moving into its next phase of planning.
Following a series of visits to the village, entrepreneur Omar Fayed and his team at Earth Space Technical Ecosystem Enterprises (ESTEE) have officially selected Questa as the site for their first pilot project, named Tiratera. The project was designed by Earth Space Technical Ecosystem Enterprises (ESTEE), Omar Fayed’s company specializing in systems for extreme environments. A dedicated U.S. entity, Tiratera LLC, has been established to carry the project locally.
Fayed, a long-time visitor to New Mexico, said that while he has spent years visiting Santa Fe, he knew Questa was the right location for Tiratera. “There was a feeling we got when we arrived in Questa,” said Baptiste Cunin, ESTEE’s Chief Technology Officer, who most recently visited Questa in March.
Questa has long faced a shortage of homes that local families can afford, a gap recently highlighted in surveys and community meetings conducted by the Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF). The Tiratera project aims to ensure their homes remain attainable for the local workforce, targeting a price point around $200,000, depending on final design and conditions. The housing component is not designed as a speculative real estate development, but as a long-term community-oriented initiative. The project will begin with a small number of initial homes to gather community feedback before scaling.
The team is working with Taos-based architect Mark Goldman to ensure the designs respect and adapt to the unique high-desert climate. To address this, the team plans to utilize lightweight cellular concrete (often referred to as cellular concrete), a high-performance material that is fire-resistant and highly insulated. For a resident, this material acts like a high-performance thermos, keeping a home warm during a January blizzard and cool during a July heatwave without high utility bills. This system is being developed in collaboration with SolidAir, a local company.
The project will prioritize 100% local workforce and supply chains including electricians, plumbers, and construction crews, as well as sourcing materials such as wood from local sawmills.
The proposal also includes a 10,000-12,000 square-foot “Plant Production Factory” (PPF), including an educational facility open to the community. Recognizing that agriculture is the soul of the village, this facility is designed to support, rather than replace, the high-quality produce provided by local anchors like Cerro Vista Farm and the Sangre de Cristo Valley Market. The indoor PPF will focus on providing steady, indoor employment opportunities for local residents.
Given recent community discussions regarding water security, the proposal has made water conservation a central pillar of the project. The project prioritizes efficiency, rainwater capture, and responsible use, while relying on the village network as a secure backup. The goal is to prove that Questa can lead the way in self-sufficiency without straining its most precious natural resources.
Village Mayor John Ortega and the Village Council are already in discussions regarding necessary sewer and water infrastructure upgrades for the Village which is timely for this project and other future economic development.
Significant progress was made this April as the project team completed key zoning approvals and secured initial funding to advance early development, while engaging with local banks to support financing.
Community involvement remains a top priority. Neighbors should watch for announcements regarding upcoming public meetings about the project.
Residents are encouraged to visit the official project website at tiratera.com to view the technology in detail and provide direct feedback.
