On September 19th, a devastating fire swept through Joel Glanzberg’s homestead outside of Santa Fe—a beloved, hand-crafted adobe schoolhouse over 100 years old, and featured in Lloyd Kahn’s Small Homes. The fire began when a terminally ill tenant accidentally set the greenhouse alight; he tragically perished in the blaze. The flames spread quickly, destroying the greenhouse and severely damaging the rest of the home.

Though the adobe walls remain structurally sound, the house has been left in crisis:

• Electrical service destroyed

• Doors and windows lost

• Floors and mud-plastered walls severely damaged by smoke and fire hoses

• Multiple rooms needing full replastering and cleaning and restoration from severe smoke damage

This house is Joel’s life’s work and his nest egg. For decades, Joel has poured his craft, skill, and love into restoring this schoolhouse into an exemplary demonstration of permaculture and regenerative design. Now, he faces major clean up, closing the structure in before winter, and beginning a long and costly restoration process.

Why Your Help is Needed Now

Without urgent repairs (new windows, doors, and restored electrical service before the cold sets in) the building risks further deterioration.

As a heartfelt thank you, Joel is offering a free one-hour design consultation for any gift of over $100. Joel is widely recognized for his work in regenerative design and living systems thinking—this is a chance not only to help him rebuild, but to receive his wisdom and expertise in return.

How You Can Help

1. Donate what you can—every gift matters.

2. Share this campaign with friends, family, and anyone who believes in supporting community, resilience, and the preservation of beautiful, hand-crafted homes.

3. Send encouragement—your words of support are meaningful.

Joel has spent his life helping others reconnect to land and life. Now, he needs our help to rebuild his home and his future.