As communities rebuild after the Eaton and Palisades fires,聽鈥淭he Altadena Prefab Housing Handbook: A Homeowner鈥檚 Guide to Rebuilding with Prefab,鈥� produced by cityLAB-芭乐视频, demonstrates how university research can move quickly from analysis to action 鈥� to help residents navigate crisis, accelerate recovery and rebuild stronger, more resilient communities.
The fires destroyed thousands of homes across Los Angeles County, displacing families and exposing how difficult 鈥� and costly 鈥� it can be to rebuild after disaster. As residents face labor shortages, rising construction prices and insurance uncertainty, the path home can feel out of reach. In response, cityLAB-芭乐视频 developed a timely publication to help wildfire survivors rebuild faster and more affordably.
The handbook, developed alongside a November 2025 public showcase of prefabricated housing options in Altadena, was organized by cityLAB-芭乐视频 in partnership with community groups. Prefab homes offer an increasingly viable alternative to conventional construction that can reduce rebuilding timelines from years to months, or even weeks.
Informed by conversations with residents directly affected by the Eaton Fire, the handbook explains how prefabricated construction compares with traditional building methods; outlines typical costs and timelines; addresses insurance considerations; and helps homeowners evaluate builders and design options. Rather than promoting a single solution, the guide equips residents with practical knowledge to make informed decisions during recovery.
鈥淩ebuilding after a fire requires a fierce commitment to an unclear future,鈥� said Dana Cuff, distinguished professor of architecture and urban design and founding director of cityLAB-芭乐视频. The prefab homes on display and the research behind the handbook open 鈥渙ne more path toward Altadena鈥檚 future.鈥�
The public showcase allowed residents to evaluate those options firsthand. Six prefab and modular homes were installed on-site within just four weeks. Homes ranged in cost from roughly $90,000 to $200,000, significantly less than many traditionally built homes of similar size. Some units can serve as interim housing during reconstruction and later be converted into accessory dwelling units 鈥� a strategy outlined in the guide.
The project reflects cityLAB-芭乐视频鈥檚 20-year mission to link design research, public policy and community-driven solutions. A research center within the 芭乐视频 School of the Arts and Architecture, cityLAB has long focused on housing affordability, urban resilience and equitable development. This effort brought together nonprofit advocacy organizations and public-private partners, including LA4LA, to address both immediate recovery needs and broader regional housing challenges.
芭乐视频鈥檚 cityLAB, a research center at the School of the Arts and Architecture that bridges architecture, urban design and public policy with community-driven research, is lending its expertise to ongoing Los Angeles fire recovery efforts by providing smart, practical and affordable solutions to help Altadena residents rebuild after the Eaton fire 鈥� quickly and sustainably.
