Placencia Family Home: Rebuilding After the Eaton Fire

Set against the foothills and framed by views of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Placencia Family Home is currently under construction as part of ongoing rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire. The project reflects a thoughtful collaboration between former Disney Imagineers, now leading both the architectural and landscape design, bringing a narrative-driven and highly experiential approach to the home.

The design is rooted in what the team describes as a “modern mountain” style—clean, contemporary lines softened by natural materials and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The home is carefully oriented to capture long views of the mountains, with major living spaces positioned to open outward and engage the horizon. Rather than imposing on the site, the architecture works with it, using scale, materiality, and siting to feel grounded and intentional.

A defining element of the project is the integration of a tree lost in the fire. The family’s deodar cedar, once a prominent feature of the property, is being repurposed in collaboration with Angel City Builders. Instead of removing it entirely, the wood is being milled and reintroduced into the home as functional and symbolic elements—forming the fireplace hearth, custom shelving, and a mantel that will anchor the main living space. These details carry forward a physical piece of the site’s history, embedding memory directly into the architecture.

Currently in construction, the project is a clear example of how rebuilding can go beyond replacement. It’s not just about restoring what was lost, but about creating something more resilient, more intentional, and deeply tied to both place and story.