Rancho Alegria

The Rancho Alegria project in Descanso, CA, showcases our expertise in fire-resistant construction, particularly with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by adobe. Prior to the devastating 2003 Cedar Fire, Rancho Alegria consisted of four buildings. Remarkably, the adobe walls of the two oldest structures survived the wildfire, demonstrating the inherent fire resistance of this time-tested material.

Our firm guided the complete rebuild of this ranch compound at the base of the Cuyamaca Mountains. We stabilized and restored these historic adobe walls while integrating modern amenities. The adobe La Fonda and Art Studio buildings were carefully rebuilt using traditional ranchero materials and details. The interiors of the damaged Casita and Swiss House were completely gutted and rebuilt. A new power building was also added to incorporate a photovoltaic system and backup generator, providing 100% of the ranch’s energy needs. See the accompanying photos for a before-and-after view of the adobe bricks and the living space after the rebuild.

While adobe brick offers excellent fire resistance, its use in construction can present challenges in meeting modern seismic codes. Given Southern California’s earthquake risk, careful engineering is crucial. We have extensive experience collaborating with specialized engineers to design and permit structures that utilize adobe brick safely and effectively.