Marketplace All-in-One Building a home with future fires in mind
Jan 12, 2026
David Brancaccio, journalist and host of the Marketplace Morning Report, shares his journey of rebuilding after losing his home in the Eaton Fire. He discusses innovative building materials like cross-laminated timber and 3D-printed concrete homes that offer fire resistance. The conversation highlights the efficiency of factory fabrication and alternative materials like concrete insulated forms. Brancaccio also emphasizes the importance of preserving neighborhood character while integrating these resilient techniques into design.
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Speedy, Strong Cross-Laminated Timber
- Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are factory-made and can enclose a house very quickly on-site.
- CLT combined with noncombustible exterior layers dramatically raises a home's resistance to wildfire.
Layer Exterior With Noncombustible Materials
- Cover engineered wood panels with mineral wool and stucco to create a noncombustible exterior barrier.
- Use layers that resist fire penetration rather than relying solely on the structural material.
Factory Framing Cuts Time And Labor
- Off-site fabrication for framing can cut construction schedules and labor needs by roughly 15–20%.
- Faster framing could make rebuilding neighborhoods more affordable and scalable after disasters.