Architect Lorcan O’Herlihy, founder of LOHA, has designed Trancas House 2.0 in Malibu, replacing the original Trancas House, built in 1985 for the owner’s parents, was known for its modernist design but was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The new house keeps the spirit of the original while adding fire-resistant features.
Located on a hillside with wide views of the Pacific Ocean, the home is designed to be both strong and efficient. The owners wanted a rebuild that honored the past while using modern, fire-resistant materials and passive cooling techniques to improve safety and energy efficiency. “We wanted to create something that was not only safe but also reflected the landscape and our family’s connection to this place,” O’Herlihy noted.
Site and Context
The home was built on the same foundation as the previous one, making the permitting process easier and keeping its connection to the land. Since the area is prone to wildfires, the design had to withstand tough conditions. The Woolsey Fire, which destroyed over 1,600 buildings, highlighted the need for fire-resistant construction.
- The original house, built in 1985, was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire.
- The new design respects the original site while integrating advanced fire mitigation strategies.
- The home is surrounded by rugged terrain, influencing material selection and layout for both aesthetics and fire safety.
- Proximity to nature meant that careful planning was necessary to balance fire resistance and the need for unobstructed views.
Design Approach
The house consists of single-story rectangular sections, designed for plenty of natural light and airflow. The main home and a separate guesthouse are arranged around a back terrace and pool, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. A bold metal pergola at the entrance leads into an open living area, where large windows showcase ocean views.
Inside, the design prioritizes both function and fire safety. Open spaces add flexibility, while eliminating attics and exposed eaves helps reduce fire risks. Board-formed concrete adds strength to the structure while giving it a textured, stylish look. “This house is about embracing modern design while being incredibly mindful of safety,” O’Herlihy explained.
Fire-Resistant Features
One of the defining aspects of Trancas House 2.0 is its emphasis on fire resistance. Every material and design choice was made with wildfire safety in mind.
- Material Selection: The house is primarily constructed of board-formed concrete, eliminating the need for traditional wood framing and stucco, which are highly flammable.
- Structural Design: The absence of attics and eaves helps minimize fire spread risks.
- Fireproof Openings: Windows are framed in black metal for increased durability.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Interior sprinklers and spark-arresting ventilation screens enhance safety.
- Defensible Space: The surrounding landscape is designed to slow wildfire spread and includes clear turn-around space for fire trucks, along with hose connections for fire fighting access.
- Ember-Resistant Cladding: Exterior walls feature non-combustible materials to prevent ignition from flying embers.
Sustainable and Passive Strategies
Beyond fire resistance, Trancas House 2.0 incorporates a range of sustainable design elements. The concrete construction aids in temperature stability, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. A cool roof, coupled with multiple light wells, maximizes natural daylight, lowering energy consumption.
- Cross-Ventilation: Large glass doors enable natural airflow, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
- Energy Efficiency: High-efficiency heat pumps provide climate control while minimizing energy usage.
- Water Conservation: Low-flow plumbing fixtures contribute to water conservation, an important consideration in California’s dry climate.
- Durability: The material choices reduce the need for maintenance, extending the home’s lifespan while decreasing environmental impact.
- Minimal Carbon Footprint: The use of local and recycled materials helps reduce emissions associated with construction.
“Sustainability and resilience go hand in hand. We wanted this home to not only stand strong against wildfires but also be environmentally conscious,” O’Herlihy emphasized.
Interior Material Palette
Inside, the design is simple and inviting. Polished concrete floors blend with the structure for a seamless look. White oak ceiling slats and oak-veneer cabinets add warmth, softening the industrial feel of the concrete walls. The open living spaces are flexible, combining practicality with comfort.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: A neutral color palette allows natural light and materials to take center stage.
- Custom Cabinetry: Designed to be both elegant and durable, resistant to heat and wear.
- Art Integration: The homeowners incorporated artwork that complements the modern yet resilient design ethos.
Conclusion
Trancas House 2.0 blends durability, natural cooling, and sustainable materials to meet modern environmental challenges. Its fire-resistant design sets a new standard for wildfire-prone areas, proving that safety and elegance can coexist.
Images- dezeen.com, loharchitects.com
