California Passive House Survives Wildfire: Design Details Save the Day
2025-01-16
Amidst the devastating California wildfires, a 2024-built passive house stood unscathed. Architect Greg Chasen attributes its survival to fire-resistant design features aligned with passive house principles. These include the absence of eaves and overhangs, a metal roof with fire-resistant underlayment, and a vegetation-free protected zone. The airtight construction prevented embers from entering, while high-performance glazing and insulation provided further protection. While passive houses have higher upfront costs, their energy efficiency and fire resilience make them an increasingly attractive option.