The Passive House Network (PHN) and Passive House California (PHCA) have launched a design competition to develop a catalog of high-performance, fire resilient homes.
The competition, which is sponsored by the fire and soundproofing insulation provider Rockwool, is designed to raise awareness of how Passive House building standards can make communities more resilient to wildfires. Entries will encompass one of five styles derived from existing communities: Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, Mid-Century Modern, Ranch Style, and Contemporary, with a winner selected from each category. A total prize pool of $7,000 will be distributed to the winners.
All entries must meet California’s updated Fire Resilience Code and meet the requirements for Passive House Classic certification or higher. Consideration will also be given to affordability and age-in-place design.
“The competition brief challenges architects and designers to rebuild with greater resilience – creating safer homes and neighborhoods,” said Ken Levenson, executive director of PHN. “With Passive House, we can create housing that is more resistant to fire damage and smoke infiltration. We can change the status quo, and make safer, healthier, energy-efficient housing the new normal.”
“We want to honor the city’s diverse architectural legacy while promoting fire-resistant, energy-efficient rebuilding strategies that reflects the vernacular of the homes lost in the January fires,” says Avril Martin, a member of PHCA and founder of The Silver Lining, an interior design firm based in Los Angeles. “This approach not only preserves cultural identity but also sets a precedent for sustainable, community-focused reconstruction in fire-prone regions.”
