2025
Getting Close to the Finish Line!
July – December 2025
Insulation of the interior walls started in July.
We choose Sheepwool over Hempwool, mainly because of its fire superior fire rating, and we got a deal on available material in California.
Reclaiming the Land: 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. The wood has been sent off to be finished into tongue-and-groove planks, bringing a piece of the original landscape back into the heart of our new home.
Reclaiming the Canyon: Truly 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 in the canyon brought down by the elements. It is a “truly local” approach. Interestingly, sourcing our own stone has proven more cost-effective than buying commercial veneer, and it ensures a perfect aesthetic match that we simply couldn’t find elsewhere.
The Kitchendesign:
From Pixels to Prototype
We found our cabinet maker, Enrique Rodrigues.
It was a lot of fun working with Enrique in his shop testing different wood sealer 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 , 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 glass!
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 is clean, local, and resilient against the elements.
The Big Lift: Windows are In!
After placing our order in late 2024, 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 brought in a crane to navigate the terrain and lift them into place. Watching the house be sealed after all this time—and all the logistical “mortar bag” hurdles—was a moment of pure relief.
