In the wake of devastating wildfires, the road to recovery can feel long and arduous. For many families, the loss of their home is more than just a physical setback; it’s a deeply personal one. The Eaton Fire, in particular, left more than one family in Altadena completely embattled, without a place to call their own. As we believe that housing is a basic human right, our community has rallied to support them.
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in this journey: the first Altadena rebuild project that tlrs is involved in has officially finalized Schematic Design! This project, a symbol of hope and resilience, is being spearheaded by the incredible team at helpdrawtogether.org.
This rebuild is the first of several that tlrs is involved in, with Aaron Olko serving as the Project Manager. The architectural vision is being brought to life by a collaboration of talented individuals: Yong Yoo, AIA as the Architect of Record, Chun Shen Chiang as the Project Architect, and Lowell Morin of PerkinsEastman as the Design Architect.
The team of Chun Shen Chiang, Yong Yoo, Lowell Morin, and Aaron Olko, affectionately named "Altaforma" and the Help Draw Together organization is providing numerous plans demonstrating the immense power of community-driven support. This effort is one of many across the Los Angeles area, including projects like Janes Village Rebuild Group and Altadena Collective, all working to help residents rebuild.
The devastating impacts of fires like the Eaton and Palisades have forever altered the landscape of greater Los Angeles. They have not only affected homeowners but also prompted crucial conversations about fire maps and the potential for changes to building codes. As we rebuild, there's an ongoing effort to promote the use of natural materials for creating more resilient homes. The earthen code appendices—including light straw clay, hempcrete, cob, and straw bale—are part of this movement, offering a path to build back better. This project is a testament to the unwavering spirit of a community that stands together, proving that when we help draw together, we can overcome any obstacle.
