From The Build Show.
In this episode of The Build Show, Matt visits structural engineer Whitt Smith’s personal home to explore what he calls “the most bomber stucco house ever.” Whitt’s project combines conventional wood framing with a full CMU (concrete masonry unit) exterior—essentially wrapping the house in a concrete shell. The duo dive into the details of how this hybrid assembly achieves exceptional durability, fire resistance, and storm resilience while maintaining a timeless architectural aesthetic inspired by Spanish Mission and Cape Dutch styles.
They discuss how the reinforced CMU walls, bond beams, and anchors create a structure capable of withstanding extreme weather, from hurricanes to wildfires, without relying on specialized trades or exotic materials. Matt highlights how this system could easily adapt to retrofit projects, dramatically improving energy performance and longevity. With costs around $22 per square foot, Whitt’s experiment demonstrates that true resilience can be both practical and beautiful.
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