In response to the needs of families affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, we have developed a small catalog of pre-designed plans that we are affectionately calling PLUS:PLUS Homes.
This catalog aims to streamline the design process and help ease financial burdens – while still delivering thoughtfully designed homes that reflect the character and scale of the impacted neighborhoods.
Each home is single-story and ranges from 1,400 to 1,775 square feet. Standard layouts include 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with flexible options to add or remove rooms based on individual needs. ADU and JADU considerations are also welcome.
The homes outlined below were designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, using simple geometric forms and a restrained material palette to reduce construction costs without sacrificing design integrity.
Each one has a low-profile and modest footprint which responds thoughtfully to the scale and rhythm of surrounding single-family neighborhoods. This also allows for ample yard space and room to plan for a future ADU or JADU option.
STYLE / DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Drawing inspiration from mid-century architecture, each design embraces the era’s ethos of cost-effective construction and functional living – prioritizing open floor plans, efficient use of space, and a strong connection to the outdoors.
Nods to mid-century modernism, such as clerestory windows, cork floors, built-in storage and indoor-outdoor flow, reinforce the home’s timeless yet pragmatic aesthetic.
STREAMLINED DESIGN PROCESS
PLUS:PLUS provides a pre-designed framework for customizable finishes and features, significantly reducing design fees and the design timeline. What used to be a 14-week design process is now streamlined to just 3-8 weeks, depending on your level of customization.
During this period, we will assist in tailoring the design to your specific site, making any necessary adjustments, and submitting the plans for permitting. Before starting the design phase, a property survey and soils report will be required.
CONSTRUCTABILITY
To keep costs low and ensure broad accessibility, each design employs traditional construction techniques familiar to most contractors. By avoiding specialized systems or unconventional methods, the design can be implemented almost anywhere, making it a practical model for replicable housing.
Currently the homes are designed to be framed with wood, but alternatively, they can be engineered with all steel if requested.
FIRE-HARDENED BUILDING ENVELOPE
Our fire-hardened design focuses on two key areas:
1) Structural Design: The building is constructed with no attic space or roof vents, and it sits on a slab-on-grade foundation, eliminating any crawl space or underfloor vents. This minimizes potential entry points for wind-driven embers during a wildfire.
2) Exterior Materials: We’ve selected non-combustible, fire-resistant materials throughout, including stucco, fiber cement siding, a standing seam metal roof, and aluminum-clad windows. These materials significantly reduce the risk of ignition and help protect the structure in high-fire-risk environments.
FIRE-RESISTANT SITE DESIGN
Following site guidelines from CAL FIRE, each home is designed with a 5ft non-combustible buffer using gravel. The perimeter of the property is also designed with a 6-ft concrete block wall, which can help prevent the spread of fires to and from neighboring properties.
Site restoration will be best accompanied by native, drought-tolerant plantings, and species which promote soil remediation and pollination. We recommend bringing on a landscape architect to advise.
CUSTOMIZATION
Exterior cladding, trim, and roofing materials were selected not only for their durability and cost-effectiveness, but also for their availability in various finishes and tones. This approach makes it easy to adapt the home’s appearance to individual preferences or neighborhood character, while maintaining the overall simplicity and coherence of the design.
Additional features such as roof sprinklers, solar panels, pools, etc. can also be added to any of the plans.
BUILDERS
Christopherson Builders, a Santa Rosa–based copmany that shifted its focus to rebuilding efforts following the Tubbs Fire in 2017. They are now bringing their rebuilding services to the Palisades and Altadena and will be building PLUS:PLUS Homes. Currently they offer cost effective construction prices and a standard finishes package.
Giraffe, a construction and real estate development practice based in Los Angeles. They are committed to the core values of creativity, pragmatism, and responsibility which is why they personally usher each project through every stage of development from inception to occupancy. With their keen attention to detail, we’re happy to have them on board.
MATERIAL PARTNERS
Through the Case Study 2.0 Program, certain manufacturers are offering discounts for fire rebuilds:
Thank you for your interest in our pre-designed plans, available through our PLUS:PLUS Homes catalog or the Case Study 2.0 program. We’re excited to share more details and explore the opportunity to support you in a streamlined, efficient rebuild process.
Please complete the form below, and our team will be in touch with you shortly.