A rare sight—this concrete house in LA stood strong while everything around it burned. And here in Europe, we can’t help but ask: Why does the richest nation in the world still build homes with wood?
The answer lies in path dependence—a feedback loop where early choices shape the future. In the 19th and 20th centuries, wood was abundant and cheap in the U.S., making it the go-to material for homes. Over time, it became more than just practical—it became the symbol of a cozy American home.
Now, even though concrete is stronger, fireproof, and more durable, the system is locked in:
🏗️ Craftsmen specialize in wood construction
🏠Manufacturers produce materials for wooden homes
đź“ś Building codes favor wood-based structures
It takes a disaster to break the cycle. After the Great Fire of 1906 destroyed San Francisco, the city finally switched to concrete and steel. Yet across the U.S., cultural inertia keeps the wooden home dream alive—even as wildfires rage on.
Maybe it’s time for another wake-up call? What do you think? Should the U.S. rethink its building materials? 🏡🔥👇
[fireproof homes] [construction trends] [urban planning] [wildfire resilience]
