Rebuilding faster after fire

As communities rebuild after the Eaton and Palisades fires, “The Altadena Prefab Housing Handbook: A Homeowner’s Guide to Rebuilding with Prefab,” produced by cityLAB-UCLA, demonstrates how university research can move quickly from analysis to action — 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 — and costly — 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-UCLA 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-UCLA 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.

“Rebuilding after a fire requires a fierce commitment to an unclear future,” said Dana Cuff, distinguished professor of architecture and urban design and founding director of cityLAB-UCLA. The prefab homes on display and the research behind the handbook open “one more path toward Altadena’s future.”

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 — a strategy outlined in the guide.

The project reflects cityLAB-UCLA’s 20-year mission to link design research, public policy and community-driven solutions. A research center within the UCLA 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.

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