Greenville Rebuild

In this integrated systems studio, we collaborated with the Greenville community to rebuild after the devastating Dixie Fire, which destroyed 75% of the town. Surrounded by forests of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine, the project leveraged local timber to explore traditional wood and mass timber construction, with an emphasis on fire safety engineering. The design balances a fire-resistant envelope with exposed wood interiors, celebrating the material’s natural beauty.

This mixed-use project addresses the community’s needs by incorporating housing for those who lost their homes, communal spaces to foster connection, and areas for local businesses. The ground floor features a shared kitchen, a large atrium for events, a café, and a co-op market, strategically placed at Greenville’s main intersection to attract both locals and passing vacationers, spurring economic activity.

The design incorporates a 7/12 sloped roof, referencing the original building on the site while optimizing for snow loads and fire ember roll-off. Responding to the community’s desire for energy independence, the project integrates a custom photovoltaic system designed using Rhino and Grasshopper to maximize energy capture on the north-facing facade. Passive ventilation, an operable photovoltaic brise-soleil, and insulated thermal zones enhance energy efficiency. The residential side features an R60 insulated roof, while the atrium functions as a minimally conditioned space with radiant flooring to maintain moderate temperatures.

This community-driven design supports Greenville’s structural, financial, and social recovery, providing spaces that foster resilience and connection.