Progress on our post-Tubbs Fire rebuilding efforts

As the finishing touches are being made to some of our post-Tubbs Fire rebuilding projects, we’re excited to share with you the progress that’s been made so far! The architecture (by Mithun Architects) and the finish details (Earthtone Construction) are beautiful, inspiring and fire resilient. The metal roof, enclosed eves, special vents, cement based exterior, fire sprinklers and fire smart landscaping will work together to help protect the house from the next fire. View the gallery below to see the progress made on this project in under a year.

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What’s special about Pepperwood’s new buildings?

This is more than just a rebuild project in response to a devastating wildfire – this has been an opportunity, embraced by Pepperwood, to demonstrate how we can integrate the tools we have at our disposal in order to live within a fire-adapted ecosystem such as California. Defensible space, home hardening, improved forest management, community preparedness, adequate support for first responders, and emergency notification improvements are just some of these tools that Pepperwood is working on expanding and making accessible to our community and beyond.

Fire Resistant

The new designs feature fire-resistant materials, with non-combustible steel posts, cement plaster walls, cement fiber panel cladding, dense black locust decking to reduce flame spread, and in the case of the barn, metal exteriors.

Low-Toxicity

Our new buildings will use low VOC (Volatile Organic Carbons) paint, zero-VOC clay plaster walls, and non-toxic mineral wool for insulation.

Energy Efficient

Cross-ventilated windows and doors, solar shade fins, skylights, and LED lighting help reduce energy demand. Low slope roofs allow for future installation of solar panels to help us reach our goal of becoming a Net-Zero Energy Campus, and electric vehicle charging stations will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Sustainable

A cistern will collect rainwater to supplement the irrigation system for the existing shade house and green house, where the next generations of Pepperwood’s native plants are nurtured.

Welcoming

Our new buildings are designed to encourage collaboration and camaraderie among the many scientists, partners and citizens who come together at Pepperwood to find solutions for our most pressing environmental challenges.