'Dun Fenice' Earth Block Marshall Fire Rebuild
'Dun Fenice' Earth Block Marshall Fire Rebuild: EcoBlox compressed earth blocks were used in the Marshall Fire Rebuild to support durable, fire-resistant construction and long-term community resilience.
Date: Completed 2024
Role: Lead Designer for Colorado Earth [now Nova Terra]
Structural Engineering: Lopez Smolens Associates [Ian Smith, P.E.]
"With the unpredictable weather patterns, and climate disasters that are
becoming more and more frequent, and chronic health conditions, and
rises in cancer; we all need to look for ways to build homes that are
safer, more airtight, stronger, non-combustible, have lower carbon
footprints, have fewer toxins with better inside air quality, and are
more efficient." ~ @blazinglightyoga
After the devastating 2021 Marshall Fire, the clients, committed to staying in the area, chose to rebuild their home with non-flammable earth blocks, guided by the principle that "earth doesn't burn." This choice reflects a thoughtful consideration for fire-resistant materials. Compressed earth blocks, made from a lime-stabilized mixture of sand and clay, provide a resilient, low-carbon, and fire-safe alternative that aligns with the clients' focus on safety and sustainability. Their decision highlights a proactive approach to design and construction, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and safety in the built environment.
