2025
Getting Close to the Finish Line!
July – December 2025
Insulation of the interior walls started in July.
We choose sheep wool over hemp wool, mainly because of its superior fire rating, and the material was available not so far away in Reno, NV.
Reclaiming the Landscape: Our Flooring
We have finally reached the stage of selecting our floors. Back in 2021, we milled the trees damaged in the fire, and they are finally ready to be transformed into floors for our rebuilt home. The wood we milled onsite into planks has been sent off to be finished into tongue-and-groove floor boards, bringing a piece of the original landscape back into the heart of our new home.
Reclaiming the Canyon Land: Hyper-local Stone
In addition to our salvaged timber, we are crafting our stone veneer from the land itself. We’ve gathered stones from the ruins of our original home and spent time after rainstorms collecting new material on the property and on the road out front, brought down by the elements. It is a “hyper local” approach. Interestingly, sourcing our own stone has proven as cost-effective as buying commercial veneer, and it ensures a perfect aesthetic match to the surrounding canyon – as well as soul – that we simply couldn’t find elsewhere.
The Kitchendesign:
From Pixels to Prototype
We found our wonderful cabinet maker, Enrique Rodriguez of Craft Master Ltd. In Simi Valley.
We had great fun working with Enrique in his shop testing different wood sealers and checking on cabinet door material.
We got Chickens Part 2 – The Great Rooster Surprise
In the spring of 2025, we welcomed what we thought was a new flock of hens. However, after six or seven weeks without a single egg—and an increasing symphony of morning ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ —the truth became clear: they were all roosters! We were able to find them a new home and have since started fresh with some wonderful hand-raised chicks from Glendale.
The Window Milestone: A Lesson in Sequencing
We are finally nearing the installation of our windows, which were originally ordered in 2024. It has been a complex journey. We navigated structural framing adjustments and bridged some communication gaps between the manufacturer and their installation team.
The real “time challenge,” however, was the structural requirement for a roof load before the windows could be set. Since our stone veneer had to be completed before the roof could go on, we had a very tight coordination window to manage. Daniel Martinez, our roofer utilized mortar bags to provide the necessary weight while the stone veneer was being completed. This resourceful step kept our timeline moving and the project on track. Soon we are ready for the windows!
Starting with stone veneer
Starting with stone veneer on the top of the building
October Milestone: Powered by the Sun
We are thrilled to announce that our solar and battery backup system is now installed. It currently supports our existing workspace and will fully power our new home upon completion. There is a profound sense of peace that comes with knowing our energy will be clean, local, and resilient against the elements.
The Big Lift: Windows are In!
October 2025 finally brought the milestone we’ve been waiting for: window installation. Because of the weight of the steel frames and the size of the glass, we had to bring in a crane to navigate the terrain and lift them into place. Watching the house get windows after all this time—and all the logistical “mortar bag” hurdles— and to see their beauty, was a moment of pure relief.
