Earthship Architecture as a Pathway to Post-Hurricane Resilience and Energy Independence: A Case Study Analysis in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico in 2017 exposed critical vulnerabilities in the island’s centralized infrastructure, particularly its energy grid and housing stock. This case study evaluates Earthship architecture as a sustainable solution for post-disaster resilience and energy independence through systematic analysis of existing projects and documented implementation challenges. Earthships are self-sufficient structures characterized by passive solar design, on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting, contained sewage treatment, and integrated food production using natural and recycled materials. Through analysis of the Earthship PR at Tainasoy Apiario in Aguada and comparative examination of global implementation challenges, this study examines both the potential benefits and significant barriers to Earthship adoption in Puerto Rico. While Earthship principles align theoretically with post-disaster resilience needs, documented problems, including moisture management failures in humid climates, regulatory barriers, and financing challenges, present substantial implementation obstacles that require careful consideration for Caribbean applications.

1. Introduction

Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in September 2017, causing widespread destruction that exposed fundamental weaknesses in the island’s centralized infrastructure systems. The hurricane damaged approximately 80% of transmission and distribution lines, leaving many residents without electricity for extended periods, with some areas remaining without power for nearly a year [1]. This prolonged electrical system failure contributed to over 3000 indirect deaths, primarily due to the inability to power medical equipment, preserve medications, or access essential services [1].

The disaster revealed Puerto Rico’s dangerous dependence on imported fossil fuels, with nearly all electricity generation coming from oil-fired plants before the hurricane [2]. Recovery efforts have faced significant challenges, with Federal Emergency Management Agency reports from mid-2023 indicating that only $1.8 billion of $23.4 billion awarded for recovery had been utilized, highlighting substantial implementation barriers [3]. The geographic distribution of power generation in the south, while most residents live in the north, created additional vulnerabilities in the transmission network [2]. These infrastructure problems were compounded by existing economic difficulties and continued emigration of skilled workers [1].

In response to these vulnerabilities, Puerto Rico enacted the Energy Public Policy Act in 2019, establishing ambitious renewable energy targets of 100% clean electricity by 2050, with interim goals of 40% by 2025 and 60% by 2040 [4]. The legislation emphasizes distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, to strengthen grid resilience and reduce dependence on centralized transmission infrastructure [5].

Studies examining housing damage patterns revealed that renters faced significantly higher risks of severe housing damage compared to homeowners, with disparities particularly pronounced among lower-income households [6]. These findings underscore the importance of developing housing solutions that combine physical resilience with economic accessibility.

Earthship architecture, developed by architect Michael Reynolds, presents an alternative approach to addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities through self-sufficient design principles [7]. These structures integrate passive solar heating and cooling, on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater collection, sewage treatment, and food production while utilizing primarily natural and recycled materials [7]. The inherent off-grid capabilities of Earthships align with Puerto Rico’s distributed energy vision while potentially addressing urgent needs for resilient housing.

This case study examines the potential of Earthship architecture as a sustainable solution for Puerto Rico’s post-Hurricane Maria recovery and long-term resilience goals. Through analysis of existing projects, documented implementation challenges globally, and examination of barriers to widespread adoption, this research contributes to understanding how alternative building approaches might support disaster resilience and energy independence in Caribbean environments.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Design

This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining systematic literature review, single case study analysis, and exploratory community engagement to evaluate Earthship architecture’s viability in Puerto Rico’s post-Hurricane Maria context. The research follows an exploratory case study design, appropriate for examining novel phenomena in specific contexts where limited prior research exists.

2.2. Literature Review Protocol

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to establish theoretical frameworks for Earthship principles and their application in tropical, hurricane-prone environments. Primary databases included Scopus, Web of Science, and Engineering Village, using search terms combining “earthship” or “earth ship” with “Puerto Rico,” “Caribbean,” “tropical,” “hurricane resilience,” and “sustainable housing.” Secondary sources included Google Scholar for grey literature, government databases for post-disaster infrastructure assessments, and project documentation from Earthship Biotecture.

A targeted search was conducted to identify documented challenges and failures in Earthship implementations globally, using terms combining “earthship” with “problems,” “failures,” “mold,” “moisture,” “regulatory,” and “building codes.” This critical analysis component addresses the need for a balanced assessment of both benefits and limitations.

2.3. Case Study Selection and Justification

The Earthship PR at Tainasoy Apiario project in Aguada, Puerto Rico, was selected as the primary case study based on its unique status as the only completed Earthship community center in Puerto Rico, its origins in Hurricane Maria recovery efforts, and comprehensive project documentation available through multiple sources. While recognizing limitations of single case analysis, this approach is methodologically justified given the novelty of Earthship implementation in Caribbean contexts and the project’s complexity for generating meaningful insights about both opportunities and challenges.

2.4. Data Collection Methods

Primary data sources included project documentation from Earthship Biotecture and Tainasoy Apiario, government reports on post-Hurricane Maria damage and recovery progress [1,3], building codes and regulatory frameworks, and performance reports from global Earthship implementations.

Exploratory community input was gathered through informal conversations with 10 residents of Aguada and surrounding communities during summer 2025, including community residents who experienced Hurricane Maria, individuals involved with the Earthship PR project, local government officials familiar with alternative building initiatives, and construction professionals with disaster recovery experience. Participants were identified through snowball sampling during site visits, with conversations conducted in Spanish and English focusing on post-hurricane experiences, housing challenges, and perceptions of alternative building methods.

2.5. Future Research Plans

To address current methodological limitations, structured interviews are planned for winter 2025 with key stakeholders covering technical performance assessment, regulatory barriers, financing challenges, community acceptance factors, and long-term performance issues. These interviews will employ semi-structured protocols to ensure systematic data collection and analysis.

2.6. Study Limitations

This study acknowledges several important limitations, including reliance on a single case study restricting generalizability, absence of quantitative performance data for systematic analysis, informal nature of community conversations limiting depth of community perspectives, limited long-term durability data for tropical climate applications, and potential bias toward positive reporting in project documentation.

3. Results

3.1. Earthship Design Principles and Hurricane Resilience

Earthship architecture incorporates six integrated design principles that enable comprehensive self-sufficiency [7]. Building with natural and repurposed materials utilizes earth, tires, bottles, and cans to address material scarcity and high import costs while providing robust structural integrity. Thermal and passive solar heating and cooling systems enable natural temperature regulation through thermal mass, directly addressing extreme temperatures and energy demand challenges experienced post-Maria.

Solar and wind electricity generation provides on-site power generation and battery storage systems that counter grid collapse and prolonged blackouts. Water harvesting systems collect and filter rainwater to address disrupted water systems and scarcity issues. Sewage treatment capabilities enable on-site waste processing and reuse, managing waste locally while preventing contamination. Food production through integrated greenhouses addresses agricultural destruction and food insecurity that resulted from hurricane impacts on farming systems.

Table 1. Earthship Design Principles and Puerto Rico Vulnerability Mitigation.

Design Principle	Description	Post-Maria Challenge Addressed	Resilience Benefit
Passive Solar Thermal	Natural temperature regulation through thermal mass	Extreme temperatures, HVAC energy demand	Reduces energy consumption, maintains comfort without grid electricity
Solar/Wind Electricity	On-site generation and battery storage	100% grid collapse, prolonged blackouts	Ensures continuous power supply, supports energy independence
Water Harvesting	Rainwater collection and filtration	Disrupted water systems, scarcity	Provides reliable clean water supply, reduces municipal dependence
Sewage Treatment	On-site waste processing and reuse	Disrupted wastewater systems	Manages waste locally, prevents contamination, enables water reuse
Natural/Recycled Materials	Earth, tires, bottles, cans for construction	Material scarcity, high import costs	Reduces construction costs, utilizes local waste streams
Food Production	Integrated greenhouses	Agricultural destruction, food insecurity	Enhances food security, reduces import dependence

shows Earthship design principles vis-à-vis Puerto Rico vulnerability mitigation.

The structural foundation consists of earth-packed tires, each weighing up to 300 pounds, creating dense walls with exceptional thermal mass and structural stability [7]. For hurricane-prone regions, specialized designs specifically address cyclone threats through modular construction and rounded walls that minimize wind pressure surfaces, allowing high winds to flow around structures more effectively than conventional straight walls. Figure 1 illustrates the exterior and interior features of Earthship architecture, showing the passive solar design and integration of recycled materials. Figure 2 demonstrates the earth-packed tire construction process that forms the structural foundation of these buildings.

3.2. Economic Considerations and Cost Analysis

Economic analysis reveals a complex affordability paradox in Earthship implementation. While specific cost data for Puerto Rico construction requires additional systematic research, preliminary analysis suggests potential benefits and challenges in different implementation approaches.

Table 2. Comparative Housing Cost Analysis Framework for Puerto Rico.

Housing Type	Construction Approach	Potential Cost Factors	Long-term Benefits	Financing Accessibility
Conventional	Standard construction	Material costs, labor, permits	Moderate utility savings	High (traditional mortgages)
Prefabricated	Factory-built components	Reduced labor, transportation	Moderate utility savings	Moderate
Container Home	Modified shipping containers	Container cost, modifications	Moderate utility savings	Moderate
Earthship (Self-built)	Community construction	Material collection, volunteer labor	High (zero utilities)	Low (difficult financing)
Earthship (Professional)	Contractor-built	Professional labor, materials	High (zero utilities)	Low (difficult financing)

presents a comparative framework for analyzing housing costs and financing accessibility for various construction approaches in Puerto Rico.

Self-built Earthships present variable costs depending heavily on recycled material availability, offering potential for significant cost reduction through community labor and waste material utilization, but face financing accessibility challenges due to difficulties securing traditional loans for unconventional construction methods. Professionally built Earthships similarly face financing challenges due to lender unfamiliarity with unconventional materials and limited appraisal precedents

3.3. Regulatory and Implementation Challenges

Puerto Rico’s construction environment presents significant regulatory challenges for alternative building methods. Stringent federal regulations, complex local permitting requirements, and rigorous building codes designed for hurricane resistance create barriers for unconventional materials and methods. The prevalence of informal housing, built without permits or code compliance, further complicates integration of formally regulated building types like Earthships [11].

Workforce challenges compound implementation difficulties. Puerto Rico faces accelerated emigration of skilled construction workers, exacerbated by post-Hurricane Maria conditions [6]. Additionally, material cost inflation and import dependencies create supply chain vulnerabilities affecting all construction projects.

3.4. The Earthship PR at Tainasoy Apiario Project: A Community-Driven Case Study

The Earthship PR at Tainasoy Apiario project in Aguada represents a compelling example of community-driven post-disaster reconstruction (Figure 3). The project’s origins trace to personal experiences of couples whose lives were transformed by Hurricane Maria. Lauralina Melendez and Mario Atunez had recently moved from San Francisco to Aguadilla when Hurricane Maria struck, forcing them to shelter in a friend’s concrete house and discovering part of their roof had collapsed upon their return [12].

During recovery, Melendez and Atunez opened their damaged home to neighbors in need, including Paola Cimadevilla and Derrick Hernandez, whose house had been destroyed [13]. Through these shared experiences, the vision for Puerto Rico’s first Earthship began to develop.

The project found its permanent home through collaboration with the Chaparro family. Noemi and Carlos Chaparro, owners of three acres in Aguada’s Naranjo neighborhood, operated TaínaSoy Apiario, a nonprofit focused on beekeeping and natural product production before Hurricane Maria disrupted their operations [13,14]. They saw the project as an opportunity to bring the community together and demonstrate sustainable living practices [12].

Construction began in early 2018, attracting over 80 volunteers from around the world who worked alongside local community members [13]. Phil Basehart, a lead builder and professor from the Earthship Biotecture Academy, provided essential technical expertise [13]. The completed project consists of five geodesic domes connected by water catchment systems, arranged in a pentagon formation with an edible garden courtyard at the center [12].

The project has evolved beyond its original scope to become a comprehensive educational and community resilience center. TaínaSoy now operates the Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Conservancy, offering tours and overnight accommodations [15] while providing hands-on workshops in beekeeping, sustainable construction techniques, and off-grid living practices [16]. This engagement aligns with broader community resilience planning programs, such as the RAND Corporation’s Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center initiative that supported Puerto Rico’s comprehensive disaster recovery planning across economic, infrastructure, and community needs [17].

The couples contacted Michael Reynolds’s Earthship Biotecture organization, leading to Hernandez receiving a scholarship to attend the Earthship Biotecture Academy [18].

The economic model reflects community-driven development ethos, with funding through financial donations, material contributions, and volunteer hours rather than traditional development financing [19]. The community-based approach demonstrates potential for cost reduction when communities organize collectively and utilize local waste streams, though systematic cost analysis requires additional research.

Figure 3. The Earthship PR at Tainasoy in Aguada. Source: Earthship Puerto Rico. (14 September 2025). [Photograph of Earthship community center in Aguada, Puerto Rico]. https://earthship.com/category/puerto-rico/ (accessed on 3 October 2025) [20].

Figure 3. The Earthship PR at Tainasoy in Aguada. Source: Earthship Puerto Rico. (14 September 2025). [Photograph of Earthship community center in Aguada, Puerto Rico]. https://earthship.com/category/puerto-rico/ (accessed on 3 October 2025) [20].

3.5. Alignment with Renewable Energy Transition

Earthships demonstrate potential alignment with Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition goals established under Act 17 [4]. Their integrated photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems allow self-sufficient energy generation and storage, positioning Earthships as a potential model for achieving renewable energy targets at household and community levels. However, the successful integration of alternative housing approaches requires understanding the complex social landscape of post-disaster recovery. Research examining disaster narratives in Puerto Rico reveals that recovery efforts have often prioritized technological and economic solutions while overlooking social equity dimensions and community-driven transformation [21]. The prevalence of informal housing in vulnerable communities demonstrates how residents navigate intersecting challenges of social vulnerability, environmental risks, and housing insecurity, often developing adaptive strategies in the absence of formal institutional support [22]. Public perception studies indicate recognition of Earthship environmental benefits, including energy independence and sustainable materials use, yet practical barriers such as permitting complexity, financing difficulties, and construction challenges represent primary obstacles to adoption [23]. This alignment between Earthship principles and Puerto Rico’s energy transition strategy could position these structures as tangible demonstrations fostering public understanding and accelerating cultural shifts needed for widespread renewable energy integration, provided that implementation addresses both technical feasibility and the socioeconomic realities facing vulnerable communities. The study examining Puerto Rico’s transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 emphasizes the need for meaningful community participation [24]. Federal investments supporting this transition include significant funding for residential solar and battery systems for vulnerable households [25].

3.6. Complementarity with Community-Led Resilience Efforts

Post-Hurricane Maria, a robust ecosystem of local community groups has emerged as a driving force for energy justice and sustainable development [5]. These grassroots efforts pursue solutions, including rooftop solar installations, community-based microgrids, and vocational training in renewable energy.

The ongoing Earthship Community Center project exemplifies community-driven capacity-building approaches, actively involving volunteers and teaching residents’ construction techniques for resilient structures. This engagement aligns with broader community resilience planning programs coordinating reconstruction needs through community-led initiatives [17].

4. Discussion

4.1. Resilience Benefits and Climate Adaptation

Earthship architecture addresses multiple vulnerabilities exposed by Hurricane Maria through integrated self-sufficiency systems. Passive solar design reduces energy demand while maintaining comfortable temperatures without external power, directly addressing extended blackouts that characterized Puerto Rico’s post-Maria experience. Research reveals that socioeconomic factors significantly compound disaster impacts, with lower-income households experiencing disproportionately higher rates of severe housing damage [6].

On-site electricity generation through solar and wind systems provides critical energy independence, particularly valuable for maintaining medical equipment and communication systems during emergencies. Water self-sufficiency through rainwater harvesting addresses critical vulnerabilities demonstrated during Hurricane Maria, when many communities lacked potable water access for extended periods, contributing to disease outbreaks [18].

Integrated waste treatment systems prevent environmental contamination while enabling water reuse, reducing dependence on potentially compromised municipal systems. The structural integrity provided by earth-packed tire construction offers potential enhanced hurricane resistance compared to conventional buildings [7], particularly important given Puerto Rico’s continued exposure to extreme weather events.

4.2. Economic Barriers and Financing Challenges

Despite potential long-term economic benefits through eliminated utility costs, Earthship adoption faces significant upfront financial barriers. Research on post-Maria housing reconstruction reveals that socioeconomic vulnerabilities work in compounding manners, particularly affecting households without ownership documents and experiencing unemployment [19]. Difficulty securing traditional financing for unconventional construction creates particular challenges in Puerto Rico’s post-disaster economic context.

Conventional lenders often hesitate to provide mortgages for Earthships due to unique materials, unconventional design, and limited appraisal precedents. The prevalence of informal housing in Puerto Rico complicates financing further, as research indicates substantial portions of housing were built without permits or lacked clear property titles before 2017 [11,19].

The affordability paradox becomes particularly acute for communities most needing resilient, low-cost housing. While self-construction can potentially reduce costs significantly, required time, skills, and resources may exclude many potential beneficiaries. Professional construction costs approach conventional building expenses while maintaining financing difficulties.

4.3. Regulatory Innovation Requirements

Successful Earthship implementation requires adaptive regulatory frameworks accommodating innovative building methods while maintaining safety standards. Current building codes, designed for conventional materials and methods, may create barriers for earth-packed tire construction and other Earthship elements despite their demonstrated structural integrity in appropriate contexts [7].

Analysis of post-disaster policy narratives reveals that resilience and transformation efforts have primarily focused on technological and economic solutions rather than social equity considerations, often promoting stability of existing systems rather than transformational change [21]. The prevalence of informal housing in Puerto Rico presents both challenges and opportunities, as research in vulnerable communities shows that informal settlements are often located in flood-prone areas [22].

While formal Earthship construction requires code compliance, principles could potentially be adapted for community-led construction approaches that improve resilience. This approach would necessitate flexible permitting systems and specialized training programs, addressing identified needs for cultural competence among disaster management practitioners [22].

4.4. Community Engagement and Social Acceptance

International experience with Earthship implementations reveals significant challenges that must inform Puerto Rico applications. While the foundational concept of self-sufficient housing using recycled materials has appeal, documented problems in various climates highlight limitations that require careful consideration.

Moisture management represents a persistent challenge in humid environments, with several documented cases of buildings experiencing water infiltration and mold growth issues. These problems are particularly relevant for Puerto Rico’s tropical climate, where high humidity levels could create similar challenges to those experienced in other humid regions.

Thermal performance issues have been documented in various climates, with some projects requiring significant modifications or additional systems to achieve desired comfort levels. The passive solar design principles developed for desert environments may not translate directly to tropical climates without substantial adaptation.

Regulatory barriers exist globally due to the experimental nature of Earthship architecture. Building codes typically do not accommodate unconventional materials and methods, creating permitting challenges in most jurisdictions. These issues are compounded by difficulties securing financing and insurance for non-standard construction.

The labor-intensive nature of Earthship construction presents implementation barriers for many potential builders. The physical demands of tire pounding and other construction tasks may exclude potential participants, limiting community-based construction approaches.

4.5. Integration with Broader Sustainability Goals

Puerto Rico’s hot, humid climate presents particular challenges for Earthship implementation that require careful consideration. Thermal mass systems designed for desert environments may cause overheating issues in consistently hot tropical conditions. High humidity creates persistent moisture management challenges that could lead to mold growth and structural problems if not properly addressed.

Ground temperature similarities to air temperature throughout the year may limit effectiveness of earth-tube cooling systems commonly used in Earthship designs. Cross-ventilation strategies become essential, potentially requiring mechanical systems that could compromise off-grid capabilities.

Hurricane-force winds present additional structural challenges. While earth-packed tire construction may offer some advantages, the integration of large glass areas creates vulnerabilities during storms. Window protection systems add costs and complexity, while potential storm damage to solar panels and other exposed systems could compromise self-sufficiency during critical post-disaster periods.

4.6. Limitations and Research Needs

Public perception studies indicate recognition of Earthship environmental benefits [23], but practical barriers, including permitting complexity, financing difficulties, and construction challenges, represent primary adoption obstacles. The strong foundation of community-led resilience efforts in Puerto Rico provides potentially favorable conditions for Earthship integration, with organizations already implementing sustainable technologies demonstrating existing community capacity and interest in self-sufficiency solutions [5].

Earthships could potentially support Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition through distributed generation systems that reduce grid dependence while providing energy resilience [4,24]. Comprehensive studies examining pathways to 100% renewable energy emphasize the importance of distributed energy resources and community-scale solutions for achieving the island’s ambitious clean energy targets [24]. Recent progress in grid recovery and modernization efforts, including significant investments in residential solar and battery storage systems, demonstrates growing momentum toward decentralized energy infrastructure that aligns with Earthship self-sufficiency principles [25]. The waste utilization principles address environmental challenges, including significant tire waste accumulation in Puerto Rico [26].

4.7. Sustainability Synergies and Challenges in Earthship Implementation

Earthships could potentially support Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition through distributed generation systems that reduce grid dependence while providing energy resilience [4]. The waste utilization principles address environmental challenges, including significant tire waste accumulation in Puerto Rico [26]. However, research on energy governance indicates that addressing Puerto Rico’s energy challenges requires confronting issues of transparency, accountability, and stakeholder representation in energy governance structures [27].

Integration of food production systems could enhance food security while reducing dependence on imported supplies, addressing vulnerabilities highlighted by Hurricane Maria’s impact on agricultural systems [28]. Research examining small-scale food production following Hurricane Maria revealed how water shortages severely impacted local farming operations, emphasizing the critical need for integrated water and food systems in post-disaster contexts [28].

The complexity of Earthship systems may not align with needs for simple, maintainable solutions in post-disaster contexts. Successful integration requires careful consideration of maintenance requirements, technical skills needed for operation, and compatibility with existing infrastructure and systems.

5. Conclusions

Earthship architecture presents both significant potential and substantial challenges for Puerto Rico’s post-Hurricane Maria recovery and renewable energy transition. The theoretical benefits of self-sufficient systems that operate independently of vulnerable centralized infrastructure align with identified needs for resilient, sustainable housing. The community-driven implementation at Tainasoy Apiario demonstrates that Earthship principles can be adapted to Caribbean contexts when supported by committed volunteers, international expertise, and community leadership.

However, critical assessment reveals serious limitations that must inform Puerto Rico applications. International experience demonstrates persistent moisture management challenges in humid climates that could compromise both structural integrity and occupant health in Puerto Rico’s tropical environment. Thermal performance issues in non-desert environments suggest that standard Earthship designs may not provide the comfort and efficiency needed in Caribbean applications. Regulatory barriers, financing difficulties, and extreme construction labor requirements present practical obstacles that limit scalability and accessibility.

The affordability paradox particularly affects communities most in need of resilient housing. While community-based construction can potentially reduce costs significantly, required time, skills, and physical capabilities may exclude many potential beneficiaries. Professional construction approaches may not offer significant cost advantages over conventional building methods while maintaining financing and regulatory challenges.

Economic analysis suggests that long-term savings through eliminated utility costs and food production capabilities could justify investments in appropriate contexts, but only for households with sufficient capital access and technical capabilities for maintenance. The prevalence of informal housing in Puerto Rico indicates that adaptation of specific Earthship principles might provide more accessible pathways to improved resilience than full system implementation.

Successful integration of Earthship concepts in Puerto Rico requires addressing fundamental design limitations for tropical climates, developing appropriate regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with safety, creating alternative financing mechanisms for unconventional construction, and establishing technical training programs for local implementation capacity. The community development model demonstrated in Aguada provides insights for potential pathways, but scaling beyond individual projects requires systematic solutions to identified barriers.

Rather than wholesale adoption of Earthship architecture, Puerto Rico might benefit from selective integration of specific principles such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, and waste recycling into conventional construction approaches that better suit local climate conditions and regulatory frameworks. This hybrid approach could capture resilience benefits while avoiding documented problems with full Earthship implementations.

Future research should focus on systematic performance monitoring of existing projects to provide quantitative data on energy, water, and thermal performance in tropical conditions. Comparative analysis with other alternative housing approaches in similar climates would inform optimal design adaptations. Investigation of modified regulatory frameworks that could accommodate innovative building methods while maintaining safety standards would support broader implementation possibilities.

The Earthship concept embodies important principles for sustainable, resilient housing that deserve consideration in post-disaster reconstruction efforts. However, successful implementation requires honest acknowledgment of documented limitations, careful adaptation to local conditions, and systematic solutions to identified barriers rather than uncritical promotion of experimental architecture. Puerto Rico’s recovery and resilience goals may be better served through pragmatic integration of proven sustainable building principles than through adoption of comprehensive but problematic alternative building systems.