Fire Rebuild in Altadena, CA
Rendering by Hereabout Home
After losing their home in the Eaton Fire, the clients were navigating health concerns and determined to rebuild with non-toxic materials and fire-resilient assemblies that would allow them to build back better, not simply replace what was lost. This project became one of the first cleared and rebuilt homes in Altadena, demonstrating what resilient reconstruction can look like when speed, craftsmanship, and building science align.
Designed as a Co.LAB collaboration with Hereabout Home, the pre designed ‘Hangout’ plan was selected as the foundation. General contracting on this project was delivered by DCO Construction, with panel setting by B.PUBLIC Approved Installer Eric Moody.
From when the clients signed with us in early April 2025, through consult, California permitting, added inspections, and full panel fabrication, their B.PUBLIC high-performance enclosure was ready for delivery by the end of July. Four months from contract to panels. Today, with windows installed and a blower door result of 0.32 ACH50, the home stands as proof that fire rebuilds can move quickly without sacrificing health, durability, or performance.
Project Details:
Specs: 4 Bed • 2.5 Bath • 1 Flex Space • Approx. 2965.5 sqft
Location: Altadena, California, USA
Designer: Hereabout Home (Co.LAB - Hangout plan)
Builder: David Olson, DCO Construction
B.PUBLIC Panels: R30 Advanced Wall; R53 Roof
Panel Installer: Eric Moody
Windows: Wythe Windows
Ventilation: Zehnder America HRV
Site Features: Includes panelized garage for future comfort and continuous fire protection. Achieved a Blower Door Test result of 0.32 ACH (this is extremely airtight). Contract to panel fabrication took only four months.
Behind the Build:
Check back here to learn more about this project behind-the-scenes as it progresses:
🎥 Video: Check out B.PUBLIC Co-Founder Jonah Stanford in "Resilient House Ep 204.02 - What is R-value?" a channel by Jaime Rodriguez, an activist resident of the Altadena community promoting education on building back better
