In November 2018, the devastating Woolsey Fire swept through parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, destroying over 1,600 structures, including the Johnson family's home in Malibu. After the initial shock and grief of losing their home of 15 years, the family was determined to rebuild—but this time with a focus on fire resilience.
The Johnsons approached Acornify in early 2019 with a clear goal: to create a beautiful, modern home that could withstand future wildfire events. They wanted to maintain the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their previous home while incorporating state-of-the-art fire-resistant features.
We began with a comprehensive site analysis, studying the topography, prevailing wind patterns, and vegetation to understand how fire might approach the property. This analysis informed our architectural design and material selections.
Using Building Information Modeling (BIM), we created detailed 3D models of the proposed home, allowing the Johnsons to visualize the finished project and make informed decisions about design elements and materials. This technology also helped us identify potential vulnerabilities in the design and address them before construction began.
We incorporated numerous fire-resistant features into the design, many of which exceed California's already stringent wildfire building codes:
Class-A fire-rated metal roof, cement fiber siding with a stucco finish, and a concrete foundation with minimal exposed wood.
Multi-pane tempered glass windows with aluminum frames, ember-resistant vents with 1/8-inch mesh screening, and automatic closing mechanisms for skylights.
Strategic landscaping with fire-resistant plants, gravel perimeter around the home, and a specially-designed irrigation system that can be activated remotely in case of fire threat.
External sprinkler system that can wet the home's exterior and surrounding area, backup power system, and smart home integration for remote monitoring.
In addition to fire resistance, the Johnsons wanted their new home to be environmentally sustainable. We incorporated:
The Johnson family moved into their new home in June 2020, approximately 18 months after the fire. The completed project not only met but exceeded their expectations for both fire resistance and sustainability.
In October 2020, a smaller wildfire approached within a quarter-mile of the property. While neighboring properties scrambled to evacuate, the Johnsons had peace of mind knowing their home was designed to withstand such events. The fire was contained before reaching their property, but the experience validated their decision to rebuild with resilience in mind.
"After losing everything in the Woolsey Fire, we were determined to rebuild in a way that would give us peace of mind during future fire seasons. Acornify didn't just help us create a safer home—they designed a beautiful, sustainable space that we love living in. The attention to detail in fire-resistant features is remarkable, and we've already seen the benefits in terms of insurance savings and energy efficiency."
This project reinforced several important principles that we apply to all our fire-resistant construction projects:
The Malibu Wildfire Rebuild project exemplifies our approach to resilient construction. By combining advanced fire-resistant techniques with sustainable design and beautiful aesthetics, we created a home that provides both safety and joy for the Johnson family.
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires in California, this type of resilient construction becomes increasingly important. We're proud to be at the forefront of this essential evolution in residential building.
Malibu, California
Residential Rebuild
3,800 square feet
18 months (Design to Completion)
