In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, homeowners face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and homes from the ground up. Yet within this tragedy lies an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine residential construction in wildfire-prone areas. As climate change accelerates the frequency and intensity of wildfires across California, the rebuilding process provides a chance to incorporate cutting-edge materials that enhance both sustainability and fire resistance.
The construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, making sustainable rebuilding not just a personal choice but an environmental necessity. As Governor Gavin Newsom aptly stated following the fires, “You can’t rebuild the same. We have to rebuild with science. We have to build with climate reality in mind.” This perspective underscores the dual benefits of sustainable, fire-resistant construction: protecting individual homes while contributing to broader climate resilience. Subsequently, residents of destroyed or damaged homes now have the opportunity to pioneer construction approaches that could serve as models for other fire-prone communities worldwide. By incorporating innovative materials that reduce environmental impact while enhancing fire protection, homeowners can create dwellings that are not just replacements but improvements on what stood before.
One emerging material is Mass timber, which is one of the most promising materials for sustainable, fire-resistant construction. Unlike conventional lumber, mass timber products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) are engineered for strength and fire resistance through multiple layers of wood bonded together under high pressure. What makes mass timber particularly remarkable is its environmental profile. These products store carbon throughout their lifecycle, making them valuable alternatives to conventional materials like concrete and steel with high embodied carbon. A cubic meter of CLT can sequester approximately one ton of carbon dioxide, effectively turning buildings into carbon sinks. From a fire-resistance standpoint, mass timber performs counterintuitively well.
That is, when exposed to fire, the outer layer of mass timber chars creating an insulating layer that protects the structural integrity of the inner wood. This char layer slows combustion and maintains structural capacity far longer than unprotected steel, which can warp and fail when exposed to extreme heat. Building codes now recognize this performance characteristic, allowing mass timber to be used in buildings up to 18 stories high. Several local architects are already incorporating mass timber elements into their rebuilding designs, particularly for exposed ceiling beams and structural elements that add both warmth and character to contemporary homes.
In fact, the exterior envelope of a home represents the first line of defense against wildfire, and several innovative materials have proven their effectiveness during recent California fires. Fiber cement siding stands out as a particularly effective option. This material combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create a durable, non-combustible surface that withstands extreme temperatures. Homes in Pacific Palisades that survived recent fires often featured this material, demonstrating its real-world effectiveness. Available in styles that mimic wood, stucco, or stone, fiber cement provides aesthetic flexibility without sacrificing protection. As for roofing, Class A fire-rated materials such as concrete or clay tiles, metal panels, or composite shingles offer essential protection. The roof represents one of the most vulnerable areas during a wildfire, as embers can travel miles ahead of the main fire front and ignite combustible roofing materials. Some homeowners whose homes were burned are exploring green roof systems with fire-resistant plant species that provide additional insulation while reducing stormwater runoff.
Then to accompany the cladding, dual and triple-pane tempered glass windows with metal-mesh screens represent another critical component of fire-resistant design. When combined with proper sealing techniques, these windows significantly reduce heat transfer during fires while improving everyday energy efficiency. Some homeowners are investing in automated exterior ember shutters that can deploy during fire events to provide additional protection.
Beyond mainstream options, several emerging materials offer promising combinations of sustainability and fire resistance for Los Angeles burn area rebuilding projects. For example, hempcrete presents an intriguing alternative to traditional concrete. Made from hemp fibers mixed with lime, this bio-composite material provides excellent insulation while resisting fire, mold, and pests. Its ability to regulate humidity and provide natural insulation makes it particularly well-suited for the Pacific Palisades and Altadena climates, while its carbon-sequestering properties enhance its environmental benefits. Then, surprisingly, mycelium-based insulation, derived from fungal root structures, offers lightweight, fire-resistant alternatives to conventional insulation materials. These renewable biological materials can be grown into specific forms using agricultural waste products as a substrate, minimizing environmental impact while providing excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Another plant-based sustainable harvest is from the bark of cork oak trees without harming them. Cork provides natural fire resistance and durability for flooring and insulation applications. Its cellular structure creates tiny air pockets that enhance insulation performance while slowing flame spread.
While sustainable, fire-resistant materials often present higher upfront costs compared to conventional options, their long-term financial benefits can offset initial investments. Studies indicate that homes built with sustainable materials typically reduce energy consumption by 30-50% compared to traditional structures, generating substantial utility savings over time. The durability of many fire-resistant materials also translates to reduced maintenance requirements, extending building lifespans and reducing waste. LEED-certified buildings with fire-resistant features have approximately 20% lower maintenance costs than conventional structures, enhancing their long-term value proposition.
Recently, during the recovery, as homeowners navigate insurance settlements referencing building code upgrade coverage (also called “Ordinance or Law Coverage”) find this provision addresses the additional costs of fire-resistant construction. When included in the policy, the expenses incurred to meet current building codes during reconstruction are covered. However, not all policies include this coverage, creating additional financial pressure for homeowners.
Real-World Success Stories
Perhaps the most compelling evidence for sustainable, fire-resistant construction comes from homes that survived recent California wildfires. One Pacific Palisades couple’s home emerged unscathed due to comprehensive sustainability features that achieved LEED platinum certification. Their home incorporated fiber cement siding, a commercial-grade roof, planted green roof systems, and insulated glazing that prevented radiating heat from igniting the structure. The combination of thoughtful design and innovative materials created a home that not only withstood extreme fire conditions but also provided energy efficiency and environmental benefits throughout its lifetime. As more such success stories emerge, they provide valuable real-world validation of the effectiveness of sustainable, fire-resistant design approaches.
As Pacific Palisades rebuilds, these innovative materials offer pathways to create homes that are not just replacements but improvements—dwellings designed to withstand future fires while contributing to environmental health through reduced carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. The choices made today will shape the community’s resilience for decades to come, potentially establishing Pacific Palisades as a model for sustainable rebuilding in wildfire-prone regions across California and beyond.
Next week will be Part II: Rebuilding with New Agency Policy Planning
By Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
S.M.a.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Thane Roberts, Architect; Jack Hillbrand AIA, & Landmarks Commission Architect; Phil Brock, former SM Mayor; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE
For previous articles, see www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
