Faulkner Architects Completes Off-Grid Steel Home on 2019 Wildfire Site

Faulkner Architects has finalized Pine Flat, an off-grid residence in the Mayacamas Mountains close to Healdsburg, California, constructed on the site of a home lost to the 2019 Kincade Fire. The homeowners aimed for a structure that adapts to the land's unpredictable conditions, emphasizing environmental responsibility and passive survivability. Featuring a Corten steel facade for protection, the design includes sliding ember screens and exterior sprinklers. The project preserves 90% of the original concrete foundation and walls, minimizing carbon emissions and maintaining embodied energy. A large concrete chimney serves as a thermal mass and focal point inside. Accessibility is enhanced with a striking entry ramp, single-level living, and a pre-framed elevator shaft. The remote location required a closed-loop water system that captures all stormwater, utilizing an artesian basin with a Pelton wheel for hydroelectric energy. The house is fully off-grid, powered by a solar PV array and battery storage. This design signifies a trend toward industrial, straightforward protective forms in delicate climates, aligning with a global movement that employs raw materials to address topographical challenges.