The Materials That Saved The Lahaina Miracle House
When Hurricane Dora fanned the flames of a dangerous wildfire on the island of Maui, the world watched as the beautiful and historic town turned to ashes.
However, standing like a beacon of hope was a 100-year-old home that became known as the Lahaina Miracle House. It has become a source of fascination for some and an example for builders and homeowners everywhere - perhaps you can prepare for the unexpected.
Severe weather and wildfire preparedness has become a more important topic every year. And in light of recent disasters, we wanted to bring back a discussion from 2022 with Scott Connell, Chief Meteorologist at KSDK in St Louis. We discuss weather preparedness both from an immediate safety perspective and a materials perspective.
If you would like to help out the communities in Maui and around the world, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
You can read the transcript below, or...
Episode Tool Box:
LISTEN: S5, E7: Safe at Home During Extreme Weather
READ: 'Miracle House' owner hopes it will serve as a base for rebuilding Lahaina
EXPLORE: Protect Your home and Property From Wildfire - CO State Forestry Service
SEASON SIX, EPISODE FOUR | TRANSCRIPT
The Story of the Lahaina Miracle House
When Hurricane Dora approached Maui in early August 2023, strong winds fanned a wildfire that decimated the historic city of Lahaina. Among the ashes, one structure drew worldwide attention: a century-old home with white walls and a red metal roof that appeared to have survived almost unscathed.
The homeowners had renovated the property just months earlier and their renovation decisions were the reason it withstood the flames. Those choices can serve as a blueprint for safer, smarter construction in wildfire-prone regions.
Why the Home Survived
Several small but powerful decisions contributed to this home’s survival:
- Metal Roofing: During renovation, the owners replaced their asphalt shingles with a Class A fire-rated metal roof. Metal doesn’t ignite like asphalt and allows heat to dissipate through an air pocket beneath, reducing overall fire risk and energy load.
- Stone Perimeter: They surrounded the home with gravel and stone to deter termites, a move that also prevented embers from igniting brush near the foundation.
- Cleared Vegetation: Removing overgrown brush and trees prevented flames from climbing exterior walls.
- Proper Ventilation: The home’s structure allowed heat to vent efficiently, avoiding buildup under eaves.
Together, these materials and practices created a micro-zone of resilience that kept the home standing when the neighborhood around it burned.
Lessons for Homeowners Everywhere
While wildfires may feel like a regional issue, every homeowner faces environmental threats: from wind and hail in the Midwest to earthquakes and drought in the Mountain West. The same principles that saved the Lahaina home can be applied anywhere:
- Choose fire- and weather-resistant materials such as metal roofing or fiber cement siding.
- Maintain clear defensible zones by removing vegetation and using nonflammable landscaping.
- Incorporate site grading to direct water away from foundations and minimize erosion or flooding.
- Evaluate ventilation and indoor air quality systems that filter out soot and contaminants.
Kim emphasizes the builder’s mantra: “Build it tight, ventilate it right.” Modern homes are constructed to be airtight for energy efficiency, but must include proper mechanical ventilation systems such as HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) and ERVs (energy recovery ventilators), that bring in fresh air and maintain healthier indoor air quality.
The Role of Building Codes
This episode underscores how evolving building codes are driving safer construction nationwide.
Municipalities now require fire-retardant materials and stronger structural components to protect homes and first responders. Examples include:
- Fire-treated I-joists or drywall underlayment to slow structural burn times.
- Hurricane clips and reinforced truss connections for wind resistance.
- Tempered glass windows that withstand impact and heat stress.
While codes differ by region, they are beginning to overlap as weather patterns shift and bring things like wildfire concerns to the Midwest.
Materials & Design for Modern Resilience
Today's builders and homeowners have access to a wide range of weather-resilient, high-durability materials:
- James Hardie fiber cement siding, which offers both curb appeal and superior fire resistance.
- High-impact shingles rated for 130+ mph winds and large hail.
- Engineered sheathing systems with tighter nailing patterns and reinforced fasteners for storms.
- Impact-rated windows that reduce damage from debris or extreme temperatures.
The goal isn’t to build a disaster-proof home, it is to build a home that gives your family the best chance of protection when nature strikes.
Expert Insights from Meteorologist Scott Connell
To expand on the topic, the episode revisits highlights from Hibbs Homes’ previous conversation with Scott Connell, Chief Meteorologist at KSDK-TV in St. Louis.
Connell shares how extreme weather patterns are changing the way we think about homebuilding. He explains:
- Storms and downpours are becoming more intense and frequent.
- Drought and heat increase wildfire potential in previously low-risk areas.
- Hurricanes and tornadoes share the same destructive wind forces, reinforcing the need for better structural design.
Connell also offers homeowner safety advice, including:
- Keeping gutters clear and water directed away from the foundation.
- Planting noninvasive trees with roots that won’t damage drainage systems.
- Maintaining 72 hours of emergency supplies in case of power loss or disaster.
Building for the Future
As weather extremes are intensifying, clients building custom homes have the opportunity to plan for the future. For exanple, the “miracle house” wasn’t just lucky, it was designed to perform better, using lessons that can help all homeowners protect what matters most.