Building for Safety: The Role of Passive Architecture in Enhancing Wildfire Resilience
Its no secret that the recent Los Angeles wildfires caused immense and devastating damage, with thousands of homes and structures detroyed leaving countless people displaced. The Palisades Fire destroyed 6,833 structures and claimed 12 lives, while the Eaton Fire led to the loss of 9,418 structures and 17 lives, according to data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Though the cause remains under investigation, the destruction has sparked an urgent conversation about how we can better protect our communities from such devastation.
Many are turning to innovative solutions with long-term fire protection in mind as the region begins rebuilding efforts. Of these solutions is Passive House Design. This residential standard is known for its energy-efficient features and potential to enhance wildfire resilience. In a recent article from World Architecture, the author presents the questions: What exactly makes it ‘passive’? And how does it measure up as a viable solution to wildfire risks?
According to the article, The term “passive house design” comes from its emphasis on using passive strategies to maintain indoor comfort, rather than relying on active mechanical systems. In a passive house, the focus is on optimizing natural energy flows such as through high-quality insulation, airtight construction, and the careful placement of windows to minimize the need for heating or cooling. This reduces a building’s overall energy consumption and keeps the indoor temperature stable without active systems like furnaces or air conditioners.
To help us gain a deeper understanding of how Passive House design can enhance wildfire resilience, we spoke with Christian Kienapfel, Architect AIA, LEED AP, CPHD, and founder of Paravant Architects.
Based in Culver City, CA, Kienapfel and his team specialize in creating high-performance, energy-efficient buildings that focus on both sustainability and occupant comfort. His approach combines building physics with design, ensuring that each structure performs optimally, improving air quality, acoustics, and overall well-being. With the increasing threat of wildfires and climate change, Kienapfel believes Passive House principles such as airtight construction, advanced insulation, and energy-efficient materials can significantly strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.