#USA #New York #Climate Change #Passive House #Fire Resilience

Designing for Fire Resilience

As wildfires continue to ravage communities, the architectural and construction sectors must reconsider how buildings are designed to withstand such natural disasters. The upcoming Reimagine Buildings Conference, hosted by Passive House Accelerator on March 14, 2025, aims to address this critical issue with the theme Designing for Fire Resilience.

This virtual conference is tailored specifically for architects, engineers, and builders seeking practical and effective strategies for creating resilient structures. Participants will gain insights from industry professionals who will share proven techniques and best practices for making buildings less vulnerable to fire damage.

Conference Highlights

The conference will feature a diverse lineup of experts, including:

• - Mark Attard - Business Development Director, Joubert Homes
• - Bronwyn Barry - Principal, Passive House BB
• - David Claus - Director of Facilities Management and Capital Planning, UNBC
• - Michael Ingui - President, Ingui Architecture and Founder of Passive House Accelerator
• - Graham Irwin - Principal, Essential Habitat Architecture

As these experts discuss the integration of fire-resistant technologies and materials, attendees will learn about real-world examples of fire-hardening techniques compatible with standard building practices. The emphasis will be on assembly and systems integration, presenting methods that are not only efficient but also cost-effective.

In addition to the scheduled presentations, the conference promises to draw on the collective knowledge of its participants, facilitating discussions that can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. By sharing successful case studies and field-tested practices adopted by early adopters in North America and Europe, the conference aims to empower attendees to transform their approach to building design.

The Need for Fire Resilience

The choice to focus on fire resilience stems from the alarming increase in natural disasters that have inflicted devastating losses recently. The January fires in Los Angeles, which tragically resulted in the loss of lives and property, highlighted the urgent necessity to rethink how we construct our buildings. The scope of the destruction has raised questions regarding current building practices and their sufficiency against escalating climate challenges.

Zack Semke, Director of Passive House Accelerator, remarked, “Today's climate is more volatile and unpredictable than ever before. It is imperative that our buildings adapt to this new reality. This shift demands a comprehensive reevaluation of not just design but the construction process and the materials that underlie our projects.”

Building Principles and Resources

The Passive House design principles, which will be central to the discussions at the conference, focus on creating buildings that are:
1. Airtight
2. Thermally Bridgeless
3. Equipped with Continuous Insulation
4. High-Performance Windows and Doors
5. Featuring Mechanical Ventilation Systems

These principles are crafted to uphold a robust building envelope, managing moisture and preventing unwanted infiltration of smoke, allergens, and pests. The emphasis on mechanical ventilation further ensures that incoming air is filtered and conditioned, optimizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

To complement the learning experience, Passive House Accelerator provides a wealth of resources including over 1,000 articles and hundreds of videos dedicated to high-performance building methodologies. They also host weekly live events and a podcast series aimed at furthering public understanding and adoption of the Passive House standard.

Accessibility and Registration

The Reimagine Buildings Conference makes an effort to welcome all attendees, offering student rates and complimentary tickets for those impacted by wildfires. Interested parties are encouraged to register by visiting the event website for more information.

This initiative represents a vital step towards fostering resilient architectural practices that can withstand the challenges posed by our changing climate. As we brace for an unpredictable future, equipping our buildings with the tools to resist wildfire threats becomes not just beneficial but necessary for sustainability and safety.