Rising from the ashes: the Fallbrook pueblo, Learn from experts in 'green' building industry

FALLBROOK — Kenneth Rexrode, owner of Peppertree Realty and GO GREEN Development, lost his home in the 2007 Rice Fire.

In the final stages of the rebuilding process, Rexrode has decided to host an open house at the construction site on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give other homeowners an opportunity to see what he calls “the most energy-efficient home ever built in the county.”

The home features a Pueblo Revival architectural style and boasts a Title 24 rating of more than 68 percent, Rexrode said.

“It is also a case study of building efficiency with San Diego Gas & Electric and will be LEED (Platinum candidate) certified when completed,” he added.

The home will be outfitted with PV solar panels and all of the water, including the radiant floor heating, will be solar-powered. The construction includes a recycled foam/concrete product that is completely fireproof.

“There are also many other efficient and ‘green’ aspects to the home,” Rexrode said. “The front door is being made out of 350-year-old Black Oak that has been reclaimed from a burned-out area on Palomar Mountain.”

For the open house, Rexrode is gathering together all the subcontractors who have worked on the project to speak with members of the public about how energy-efficient and green homes can be constructed.

“We are currently working with Greenspark, US Green Building Council, the Fallbrook Fire Recovery Center and the Center for Sustainable Energy,” Rexrode said. “I really think this is going to be a great event.”

In addition, Rexrode has been nominated for an award called a ‘SANDEE,’ which is sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Energy. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in energy achievement.

Rexrode’s home is due for completion in June of this year.

The open house will be held at 2305 Vern Drive in Fallbrook. To access, take Wilt Road to Citrus Road to Vern Drive.