Destructive wildfires in Southern California have left a significant impact on local communities, with the Altadena fire resulting in the loss of approximately 9,400 structures, including over 6,000 homes. The Palisades fire followed closely, destroying around 6,800 structures, with more than 5,400 homes affected. Despite California Governor Gavin Newsom relaxing environmental regulations to expedite the rebuilding process, progress has been slow. As of July 7, 2023, fewer than 200 of the more than 800 homeowners who applied for rebuilding permits had received approval, according to Wired.
Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and insurance negotiations complicate the recovery efforts. Additionally, concerns about rushing the rebuilding process could potentially increase fire risks in areas already vulnerable to wildfires. In response to these challenges, the San Francisco-based startup, Cosmic, is introducing an innovative solution through the development of “micro-factories.”
Cosmic began its journey by manufacturing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and launched its first set of 100 prefabricated 385-square-foot units in 2024, with prices starting at $279,000. While these units are not the most economical option on the market, the company views their launch as a fundraising effort aimed at further reducing costs in the future. Additionally, Cosmic constructed a larger, fire-resistant home in Northern California that same year.
Building on this foundation, Cosmic has established a mobile micro-factory in the Palisades, which will operate between the Palisades and Altadena to construct new fire-resistant homes. The company anticipates producing between 150 and 180 homes within the next year. Notably, for every ten homes built, Cosmic will donate one to an underinsured family in the affected areas.
What exactly is a micro-factory? It is a smaller, mobile facility that harnesses technology to accelerate construction and significantly reduce traditional building costs. The micro-factory utilizes robots to pre-cut and assemble plywood into energy-efficient panels, ready for installation. Additionally, an AI-powered system assists in designing custom, code-compliant homes, while specialized software expedites the permit process.
According to Sasha Jokic, founder of Cosmic, these micro-factories are ten times faster, require 60% less labor, and are 30% cheaper compared to conventional home manufacturing methods. While the homes produced may differ in aesthetics from the charming craftsman-style homes that were lost, they provide essential peace of mind to homeowners.
Equipped with fire-resistant materials such as fiber cement siding and metal roofs, these homes also feature integrated sprinkler systems and solar panels, enhancing their energy efficiency. As communities in California continue to grapple with the aftermath of devastating wildfires, innovations like those from Cosmic represent a crucial step toward recovery and resilience in the face of future threats.