Plant Prefab Unveils Scalable Homes for California Wildfire Victims
Proving once again the power of prefab, Amazon-backed design and build firm Plant Prefab teamed up with Burdge Architects and Sunset magazine to unveil the Sunset BUD LivingHome (SBL)—a scalable accessory dwelling unit that’s designed to resist wildfires.
The scalable Sunset BUD LivingHome will be built with fire-resistant aluminum siding, doors, and windows. Sliding glass pocket doors create an indoor/outdoor living experience.
Malibu-based Burdge Architects designed the SBL in the wake of the 2018 Woolsey Fire, when the City of Malibu announced a streamlined approval process for fire rebuilds. Unlike most stop-gap solutions for housing wildfire victims, however, SBL units are designed with permanence in mind.
"In the midst of an ever-threatening wildfire season, the units come not only as a timely solution to those who want reinhabit their property while their primary home is rebuilt, but also as a way to add lasting property value. The impeccably-designed permanent structures can be later used as guesthouses or offices," a Plant Prefab statement reads. Plant Prefab also currently has twelve homes in development for victims of the Woolsey Fire.
The contemporary interior features engineered European oak floors from Northern Wide Plank, custom cabinetry, and a built-in Italian Murphy bed.
With pricing starting at $315,000, the luxury modular units will feature a contemporary design with high-end craftsmanship and durable, fire-resistant construction. Homeowners can choose from four sizes: a 445-square-foot studio, a 620-square-foot one-bedroom plus studio, a 900-square-foot two-bedroom plus studio; or a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom plus studio and garage.
The bathrooms are dressed in Italian porcelain and German plumbing fixtures.
As with every Plant Prefab home, the customizable SBL units will be built in the company’s factory using a patented system that they say reduces build time by at least 50% compared to traditional construction. Moreover, the units can be delivered 90% complete with finishes, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and even tilework intact to dramatically reduce the time needed for on-site work.
Although the SBL was developed in response to the Woolsey Fire and Malibu’s expedited permit process, the units also conform to ADU standards statewide and can be installed in any suitable location.
"The BUD unit is uniquely scalable in size, allowing customers to select the square footage that works for their needs and personalize the unit with their choice of finishes. Using modules, you can piece together the perfect prefab home for you and your family," says Douglas W. Burdge, AIA. "Drawing from our extensive experience in the Malibu landscape, we conceptualized the SBL to be as fire-resistant as possible while at the same time being exceptionally well designed."
SBL marks Burdge Architects’ first collaboration with Plant Prefab, which has partnered other well-known architects and designers including Ray Kappe and Yves Béhar.
The prefab can be customized and configured to the client’s liking, and it can even be outfitted with renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar panels.
Interested buyers can request an estimate for a Sunset BUD LivingHome online with Plant Prefab. In February 2020, an SBL show home will be available for daily tours at Burdge Architects’ offices in Malibu.
Related Reading:
Amazon Joins Forces With Plant Prefab, a Smart Housing Startup
Here Are the Modern Prefab Designs That Amazon’s Investing In
Yves Béhar Teams Up With Plant Prefab to Launch a New Line of Tiny Houses
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Burdge Architects
Builder: Plant Prefab / @PlantPrefab
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