Introduction

The recent devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires challenges us, not just to rebuild, but also to innovate. Consequently, the Passive House Network with Passive House California is launching a design competition to develop a groundbreaking catalog of high-performance homes to inspire and inform the rebuilding efforts in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities.

We invite architects and designers to showcase the power of Passive House in creating sustainable, healthy, and diverse fire-resilient communities, in various styles that reflect the vibrancy of Los Angeles. Submit your designs and help shape the future of rebuilding. Qualifying designs will be collected and distributed in a catalog to raise awareness of Passive House rebuilding benefits and pathways to make it a reality.

Design Paramaters

Entries will be clustered and compared using 5 common design aesthetics prevalent in the areas impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires. Residential lot size and zoning setbacks have been specified to make these designs accessible to the many of properties needing rebuilding. Projects will be assessed based on how they meet the following parameters:

  • 48’x124′ residential lot
  • Setbacks: 20′ Front, 15′ Back, 5′ Sides
  • 3-4+ bedroom, 2 1/2+ bath
  • Meet Passive House Classic certification or higher
  • Meet California’s updated Fire Resilience Code
  • Clearly reflect one of the following aesthetic styles
    • Craftsman (Arts & Crafts)
    • Spanish Colonial Revival
    • Mid-Century Modern
    • Ranch Style
    • Contemporary
  • Consideration of Affordability & Age in Place design
  • A Valid easyPH, PHPP or DesignPH file is required

Schedule

  • Submission Deadline: Midnight, September 30, 2025
  • Winners Announced: Los Angeles, Nov 4-7
  • More details to come.

Submission Requirements

  • A 24”H x 36’’W Poster pdf file must include:
    • design name
    • site plan and floor plans
    • elevation and renderings
    • Full section detail showing all materials and assemblies, highlighting fire-resilient features, cost-saving strategies, airtightness, and thermal bridging mitigation.
    • a minimum 500-word narrative describing design intent, and how the Passive House approach was adapted to local climate needs.
    • QR Code linking to your company website or to a project page, in the top or bottom right corner.
  • Completed easyPH, PHPP or DesignPH file demonstrating compliance.
  • Contact information of the submitter
  • Full project team details provided in a separate document

Prizes

  • $2000 Cash Prize for winner in Craftsman & Spanish Colonial styles. $1000 Cash Prize for winner of remaining categories.
  • 1 year free PHN Membership for each team member.
  • Design Feature on PHN Website for all category winners.
  • Inclusion in a competition catalog – a printed and downloadable resource – for all qualified entries.
  • 1 Night’s Stay at the Certified Passive House hotel, Hotel Marcel.

Note: All designs that meet the requirements will be displayed in a final competition catalog after the winners are announced.

Eligibility

All are welcome to submit. No entry fee is required. PHN & PHCA employees and competition judges are not eligible to submit a project. PHN & PHCA board members may submit as part of a team.

Judges

To be announced.

Partner Sponsor

Supporters

Climate Disaster Support

This design competition is part of a larger effort by The Passive House Network, its chapters, and members and supporters. We are also creating resources to support community rebuilding efforts across the country. Find them on our Climate Disaster Support webpage.