In January 2025, Los Angeles suffered an unspeakable wildfire tragedy, destroying at least 17,000 structures, and with tens of thousands of people forced out of their homes. Almost immediately, government officials declared a state of emergency and laid out a path to rebuild “like for like.” However, in the aftermath of such disasters when rebuilding from the ground up, is “like for like” the best way to proceed? These disasters provide an opportunity to future-proof our neighborhoods for the next generation of environmental challenges. In face of seemingly endless, floods, fires, rising temperatures, and energy crises, we must take the time to rethink our way forward.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
In L.A. alone, just over quarter of a million homes are located in hillside high-fire hazard zones. The allure of views and exclusivity often comes with increased risk as most flames, especially wind-driven ones, spread much faster uphill. Any upslope overhanging structures, such as wooden decks, provide perfect fuel for upslope fires and once ignited, the flames easily transfer to any connected structure.
So, how does one capitalize on the hillside views but simultaneously manage the danger? Having a fuel modification zone—a clear area of land around structures that essentially removes fuel for wildfires—is a definite first step. The use of noncombustible materials should be encouraged including wood composites, standing seam metal roofs, and noncombustible cladding—like plaster, or Hardie panels—made from a combination of cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and other additives. These remain intact for several hours before beginning to break down, even when exposed to high heat.
For a recent project in a risk-prone canyon, we also designed a perforated metal “fire shield,” separated from the house by a couple of feet. It provides a layer of protection against the sun but also repels flying embers. A fire shield is also a straightforward modification for existing homes, and a consideration for new construction. We can build additional safety nets through landscaping by using water-retaining plants like cacti and other succulents strategically around the property. Drought-tolerant planting is both environmentally sound and practical, as these plants retain water to provide another barrier of protection between the outside and the home.
A FLOOD OF QUESTIONS
With increasingly frequent hurricanes and flooding, home design needs to finally begin to respond to these recurring events. Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth house in Plano, Illinois is located in a flood zone but designed so that the living quarters were raised above flood levels at that time. This resulted in one of the most iconic home designs of the 20th century, essentially proving that great design can be achieved while solving for extreme environments.
In addition, all essential infrastructure should be raised above flood levels. Construct permanent barriers around the home, especially if adapting existing buildings to respond to environmental pressure. Sites should be graded to slope away from the structure. Use concrete piers for foundations or, better still, permeable foundations to relieve hydrostatic pressure. Install sewer backflow valves to prevent sewage flow into the home in the event of flooding.
People looking to insulate existing homes against environmental stressors, like frequent flooding, who can’t fully modify an older property can introduce an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designed to be entirely flood proof, providing a safe place to land if the original property’s defenses are breached by water. These ADUs can be constructed to be entirely off grid and raised above flood level, using nontraditional materials like concrete to insulate against fire and wind events.
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
During the Palisades and Eaton fires in L.A., due to power shut offs plus damages from wind and fire, nearly half a million residents lost power. In a time when many jurisdictions are aggressively moving toward exclusively electric power, hardships are compounded by loss of power as people are left unable to heat their homes or cook their meals even if they have not been directly impacted. It is imperative that homes can weather a crisis by having enough independent energy to power their essential services.
Electric power, especially when obtained from renewable sources like solar panels, is a more economical and environmentally responsible option. If this is coupled with adequate battery storage to power the home’s essential services, it is easier to weather a crisis. Rolling power shut offs are also becoming increasingly common in response to scorching temperatures around the country, so energy independence should become a priority for homeowners to insure themselves against an outage that is a direct result of environmental stress.
BETTER, STRONGER, SMARTER
After the January wildfires, the City of Los Angeles released an emergency declaration to “clear the way to rebuild homes as they were” and “allow rebuilding like for like.” While well intentioned and sweeping in its reach, this declaration should be strongly resisted. We must oppose the temptation to recreate exactly what was lost and instead focus on creating a model for development that minimizes the chance of destruction occurring again.
With climate change and extreme weather events happening with increased frequency, we need to adjust to this new reality by hardening our homes, both existing and new, and embracing the opportunity to rebuild better, stronger, and smarter for future generations.
Nerin Kadribegovic is founder and principal at Kadre Architects.
