background image

The homes built to withstand fire

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on BBC or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Homeowners in the western U.S. are rebuilding their homes lost to wildfires using earth bricks, hoping to create fire-resistant structures
• Melanie Glover, whose Colorado home was destroyed in 2021, rebuilt with compressed earth blocks, a material known for its resistance to flames
• This trend aligns with increasing interest in earthen construction as climate change exacerbates wildfire risks

🔭 The context: Earthen building techniques, like adobe, have been used globally for centuries and are experiencing a revival due to their durability and climate adaptability
• Early research, including tests conducted at the University of California, Davis, shows earth blocks can endure extreme temperatures and even strengthen after exposure to fire
• However, widespread adoption faces hurdles like higher initial costs, insurance challenges, and lack of standard building codes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Earth-based construction could significantly reduce carbon emissions in the building sector by replacing traditional materials like timber and cement
• The blocks' lower embodied carbon and energy efficiency help reduce the environmental impact of housing
• As wildfire risks increase, fire-resistant building solutions are crucial for sustainable living in fire-prone areas

⏭️ What's next: Efforts are underway to establish building standards for earthen homes, which could lower costs and encourage broader adoption
• Researchers are exploring stabilizing techniques for dirt blocks to meet modern building codes
• Meanwhile, homeowners and builders continue to experiment with innovative fire-resistant designs

💬 One quote: "I said to myself, dirt doesn’t burn. We should build a house of dirt" — Melanie Glover, homeowner in Superior, Colorado

📈 One stat: In 2020, the Bobcat Fire in California burned miles of land, but an earth-built home from 2008 survived unscathed

Click for more news covering the latest on sustainable living

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)