Plan North Engineers provided structural engineering for a new residence designed for a family who lost their home in the LA fires. The project uses modular construction to accelerate the rebuilding process while achieving resiliency goals. Fire-resistant materials, including corrugated metal siding, cement board panels, and cold-formed steel-framed decks, were selected to enhance durability in a high-risk fire zone. The 2,500 SF main residence and a 500 SF detached ADU are composed of 11 prefabricated modules, which will be manufactured off-site and assembled on a compact 40' x 130' urban lot. Plan North's structural engineering integrated off-site fabrication requirements with on-site assembly conditions and site-built components to support a streamlined construction timeline. 

This project required close collaboration between architect Marmol Radziner and modular manufacturer Method Homes, each contributing expertise essential to achieving the clients' goals. By combining thoughtful architectural design with structural strategies tailored for prefabrication, the team developed a high-performance home that addresses both the environmental risk and personal significance of rebuilding. Featured in Architectural Digest's Case Study: Adapt program, the project serves as a model for innovative, fire-conscious residential design. The home also honors the family's deep community connections—positioning their music studio at the front of the house to continue the neighborhood gatherings that became vital during the pandemic and remain important as Pacific Palisades recovers and rebuilds.  

Renderings courtesy of Marmol Radziner.