As we kick off the new year at Leanhaus, the devastating fires in Los Angeles have offered a stark reminder of the real-world impacts of climate change—and the growing importance of designing climate-resilient homes over prioritizing luxury finishes.

One image from the Pacific Palisades fire stood out: a single timber-clad Passive House standing intact on a street otherwise reduced to ash. Was it luck or thoughtful design that protected this home when others were lost?

Greg Chasen, the architect behind this surviving home, credited much of its resilience to deliberate design choices. Image @ChasenGreg (X)

The principles of Passive House construction played a critical role:

Simplified Building Geometry: Reduces thermal bridging and eliminated crevices where embers could become trapped and start a fire.
No Vents or Gaps: Prevented embers from entering the home.
High Insulation & Performance Glazing: Enhanced the home’s ability to withstand extreme heat.
HRV System: Filtered toxic smoke and particles, ensuring safer indoor air.
Site-Specific Features: A generous side setback and a concrete perimeter wall helped block windborne embers

While Passive House construction in the U.S. typically adds about 15% to building costs, this investment can be offset by designing a slightly smaller home or opting for durable, high-performance materials instead of luxury trimmings.

The destruction of entire upscale neighborhoods highlights a critical truth: status-driven luxury becomes meaningless if a home can't endure the climate extremes we're facing more frequently.

At Leanhaus, we believe the conversation needs to shift. The new definition of luxury? A home that can withstand the elements, provide a healthy indoor environment, and remain standing when disaster strikes.

Resilient, thoughtful design isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity for the homes of tomorrow.

Continue reading on Bloomberg here (paywall):
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-13/los-angeles-wildfires-why-these-homes-didn-t-burn?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=bloomberg%2Fmagazine%2FCityLab