As the morning marine layer dissipates in La Jolla, the rising heat transforms the pavement into an oasis of shimmering mirages. Amid the tranquility of a quiet residential block, an unusual structure pierces the earth—an angular metal form nestled between rosemary bushes and stucco walls. Known as the Polyhaus, it stands out like a shard of spacecraft, emblematic of progress amidst the backdrop of California’s growing wildfire crisis.
The Polyhaus, designed by Daniel López-Pérez from the University of San Diego’s architecture program, is not just an architectural novelty; it symbolically challenges the traditional methods of housing production. Unlike conventional homes, which are framed one two-by-four at a time, the Polyhaus is composed entirely of engineered wood panels known for their fire resistance properties. The unique structure can be erected in merely two-and-a-half days, requires just three framers, and is built from 64 panels of cross-laminated timber. These panels are capable of withstanding fire better than traditional materials—burning at a much slower rate, thus providing critical time to protect life and property within.
López-Pérez’s vision extends beyond rapid construction; he is also focused on sustainability and the sourcing of materials. Each timber panel used in the Polyhaus comes from Vaagen Timbers, a company dedicated to using wood from trees cleared in wildfire mitigation efforts. By utilizing materials from these forest overgrowths, the Polyhaus not only addresses the housing crisis but also promotes fire safety, creating homes that resist the flames threatening many Southern Californian communities.
In Southern California, the idea of adapting to fire is not new. Native communities, such as the Payómkawichum (Luiseño people), have historically built structures in harmony with the landscape and fire. These domed shelters, known as kíicha, exemplified a coexistence with fire, relying on controlled burns to manage the land rather than combating it head-on. The challenge now, however, lies in a changing climate that has made wildfires more prevalent and destructive than ever.
To the north, in the Mojave Desert at CalEarth, another innovative approach is taking shape. The institute, founded by Dastan Khalili’s father, Nader Khalili, focuses on the SuperAdobe design—earth-formed structures made from native soil, sand, and polypropylene bags. These unconventional dwellings defy conventional architecture, using the earth as both a building material and protective shield against disasters. With their domed shapes, SuperAdobes can withstand earthquakes, wildfires, and floods, proving their worth as fire-resilient homes.
Dastan Khalili, now leading CalEarth, emphasizes the significance of constructing homes that are not merely built for the present but designed with the enduring characteristics of nature in mind. He points out that continual reliance on outdated building practices will only lead to further disasters, as wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural calamities have existed long before humanity. In a landscape now accustomed to increasingly frequent harsh weather patterns, adapting our homes and communities is paramount in minimizing disaster impacts.
The alarming rise in wildfire frequency and intensity in California cannot be ignored. Between July 2023 and June 2024, nearly 230,000 people migrated to the state, often settling in high-risk wildfire areas. Recent wildfires in Los Angeles, which destroyed over 16,000 structures, served as a stark reminder of the realities facing these vulnerable homes, with California experiencing 17 of its 20 largest wildfires in the past two decades.
Amid this ongoing crisis, innovative architects, engineers, and builders are collaborating to create fire-resistant communities. One such project is Dixon Trail, spearheaded by Steve Ruffner, president of KB Home operations in the region. Following a presentation from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, Ruffner was determined to integrate robust fire-safety measures into Dixon Trail, ensuring that the community would be better protected against wildfires.
California mandates homes in wildfire-prone regions adhere to strict safety standards. Dixon Trail goes a step further, achieving IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Plus certification, which ensures enhanced materials and defensible space around each unit. Homes are engineered using cement siding, stucco, and metal components to mitigate fire risk.
Steve Hawks, senior director of wildfire at IBHS, notes that it is often not the flames themselves that destroy buildings, but rather the small embers carried by the wind. Fires do not simply threaten homes; they endanger entire communities. Therefore, strategic planning and building practices holding fire safety at their core are essential for any new development in fire-prone areas.
As Dixon Trail approaches completion, the benefits extend beyond mere physical safety; homes that meet IBHS’s standards gain insurability—a vital consideration in a region where insurance availability is rapidly decreasing due to incessant wildfire losses. The crisis has made it increasingly difficult to find affordable coverage, compelling homeowners to rely on state-backed options which are not sufficient for the growing need.
Complicated issues surrounding wildfire hazards reveal a larger problem: individual homes may be at risk, but it is whole communities that experience the aftermath of these disasters. While innovative structures like the Polyhaus and SuperAdobes are pivotal, the broader picture of fire resilience must include thorough planning and systemic cooperation among designers, officials, and homeowners.
In today’s climate, the urgency to adapt to the realities of wildfires cannot be overstated. As Hawks aptly states, “This is an all-of-us problem.”
As architects and builders work to redefine fire-safe living, the future of construction lies not only in the materials used, but in an integrated approach to community resilience. With the Polyhaus, SuperAdobes, and projects like Dixon Trail, California’s built environment may become a model of innovation, safety, and sustainable living in the face of an ever-present wildfire threat.
image source from：sandiegomagazine
