Janice R. Andrews
The California wildfires have devastated communities, leaving thousands of acres in ashes and countless homes destroyed. Amid the destruction, a rare story of resilience stands out—a “passive house” in Pacific Palisades that withstood the flames. This remarkable survival offers hope and insight into how innovative design can protect homes from wildfires.
California Wildfires: A Grim Reality
As of January 14, wildfires have scorched over 40,000 acres, with containment efforts lagging at just 17%. Experts warn that upcoming winds could worsen the situation, turning even small sparks into uncontrollable blazes. Despite these dire conditions, Greg Chasen’s home remained unscathed while neighboring properties were destroyed.
Built in 2024, Chasen’s house is the only one still intact on Iliff Street. According to reports, the home owes its survival to specific fire-resistant design strategies rooted in passive house principles.
Why Passive Houses Are Resilient to Fire
Passive houses are primarily designed for energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, but their construction also offers enhanced fire resistance. To achieve certification from the International Passive House Association, a home must reduce heating energy use by 86% and cooling energy by 46% compared to traditional buildings in the same climate.
Key features of passive houses include:
- Airtight Seals: Prevent air leaks, which can keep fire and smoke from entering the home.
- Robust Insulation: Creates a thermal barrier and reduces the risk of heat transfer.
- Triple-Pane Windows: Adds insulation and protection against extreme heat and debris.
- Fire-Resistant Roofs and Walls: Chasen’s home, for example, has a metal roof with a fire-resistant underlayment and concrete garden walls that act as fire barriers.
Chasen’s house is also designed without overhangs, eaves, or attic vents, features that often allow embers to enter a structure during a fire. These thoughtful design elements reflect the core principles of passive house construction, which prioritize both sustainability and safety.
Principles of Passive House Design
Passive house construction is guided by five key principles, which also contribute to fire resilience:
- Superinsulated Envelopes: Minimize heat transfer and act as a protective shield.
- Airtight Construction: Prevents embers or smoke from infiltrating the home.
- High-Performance Windows: Offers strong resistance to heat, debris, and wind.
- Thermal-Bridge-Free Detailing: Eliminates weak points for heat or fire to penetrate.
- Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV): Maintains indoor air quality and filters out smoke particulates.
These principles were instrumental in the survival of Chasen’s house. As Zachary Semke, director of Passive House Accelerator, explains, simpler, streamlined designs reduce fire risk by eliminating areas where embers can take hold. Additionally, airtight construction prevents fire from infiltrating the building envelope, while ventilation systems protect occupants from smoke damage.
Fire-Resistant Strategies in Practice
Architects like Ignacio Rodriguez, CEO of IR Architects, have increasingly incorporated passive house principles to enhance fire safety. In the path of the current wildfires, eight of Rodriguez’s nine designed homes remain standing. His approach includes:
- Fire-Resistant Windows: Aluminum-framed windows, which are sturdier than vinyl alternatives.
- Fire Membranes: Installed behind structural wood to slow fire spread.
- Fire-Retardant Coatings: Applied to exterior wood elements for added protection.
These strategies, paired with the passive house framework, create homes that are not only energy-efficient but also resilient against wildfires.
Costs and Challenges of Passive Houses
Passive houses are gaining popularity in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. As of 2023, the U.S. had 16,000 passive house units under construction or completed, spanning 12 million square feet. These homes range from single-family houses to multi-unit complexes and are certified by organizations like Phius (Chicago) and Passive House Institute (Germany).
Despite their benefits, passive houses come with higher upfront costs. Building one typically costs 5% to 10% more than a conventional home. However, the long-term savings in energy bills and added resilience against natural disasters often justify the initial investment.
Semke highlights that these structures are designed with both sustainability and safety in mind, offering homeowners peace of mind in areas prone to wildfires or other environmental challenges.
A Vision for the Future
The survival of a passive house amidst California’s devastating wildfires underscores the importance of innovative, resilient design. While no home can be completely fireproof, adopting passive house principles significantly reduces the risk of destruction during wildfires.
As climate change continues to exacerbate natural disasters, the demand for energy-efficient, fire-resistant homes is expected to grow. Passive houses represent a forward-thinking solution, blending eco-friendliness with resilience to meet the challenges of a changing world.
The story of Chasen’s passive house provides a powerful example of how modern design can withstand nature’s fiercest tests. By embracing sustainability and resilience, architects and homeowners can create structures that protect both lives and the environment. As the need for safer, greener housing increases, passive houses stand out as a beacon of hope for the future.
