THE LOS ANGELES FIRE 2025
In the midst of a drought, the tight-knit community of Altadena, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, is struggling with the aftermath of a wildfire that has destroyed more than 9,400 residential and commercial structures. The blaze caused widespread devastation, leaving over 6,000 homes in ruins and displacing thousands of residents who now face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives. With many residents underinsured, smaller ADU's such as this one will be the only initial option for them to move back to their property. Among those most affected are Black households, a consequence of historical redlining practices that, from the 1930s to the 1960s, systematically denied mortgages and investments in certain neighborhoods based on racial and ethnic composition. These discriminatory policies led to the segregation of communities, concentrating Black and minority populations in specific areas that are now disproportionately vulnerable to disaster. With so many left without homes, the challenge now is not just rebuilding but ensuring that the new housing is resilient, accessible, and protective against future catastrophes.
A VISION FOR RESILIENT HOUSING
The goal of this project is threefold: to provide a secure home for a professional couple hoping to recover, to foster a sense of community that offers support and stability, and to create housing that can resist & protect from future wildfires. The proposed microhome is built around a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure, chosen for its ability to be quickly assembled with minimal labor and materials. CLT is inherently fire-resistant, as its thick layers of solid wood burn slowly while also providing insulation. To enhance its protective qualities, a fire-retardant epoxy coating is applied, which reacts in the presence of heat by secreting an additional protective layer, further preventing fire penetration.
CALIFORNIA POLICY & THE REDENSIFICATION OF SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS
California’s ongoing housing crisis and high cost of living has made private homes increasingly unattainable for many communities, increasingly making it necessary for more dense residences. In response, the state has enacted policies to encourage the redensification of single-family residential lots. These policies streamline the permitting process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), allow single-family homes to be converted into duplexes or multifamily units, and enable lot splits to accommodate additional housing. This microhome design aligns with these policies, proposing a model that allows for the construction of three microhomes within Altadena’s R1 residential zones, where lot sizes typically start at 100’ x 60’. Each unit balances the benefits of lot density with ample personal space and privacy while being connected through an interstitial boardwalk. The elevated deck system eliminates the need for extensive grading, preserving the natural landscape and expediting construction. By maximizing available space, the microhome strategy aims to provide a swift and sustainable solution, enabling displaced residents to return to a home that is not only safe but also designed for the future.
