Suvechha Sarkar
Protecting one’s home has always been a priority, but in an era marked by intensifying wildfires and unpredictable weather, it has become a necessity that demands smarter and more resilient solutions. Since traditional systems like sprinklers, fire-resistant materials, and evacuation plans often prove ineffective when things escalate beyond control, HiberTec Homes steps in to redefine safety. With their innovative, fully patented approach, the company introduces custom modular homes that can withstand tornadoes and wildfires. Its founder’s appearance on season 17, episode 17 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ gave the brand a national platform to demonstrate how futuristic engineering can meet real-world needs.
HiberTec Homes: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Holden Forrest, the founder of HiberTec Homes, was quietly building a career marked by resilience and an instinct for innovation before turning HiberTec Homes into a reality. He was the recipient of the NSE Academic Merit Full Scholarship and graduated from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. In December 1988, Holden earned a Sales and Broker’s License from the California Department of Real Estate. In 1994, he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit by founding and serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Academy Computer, Inc., until 2002. The venture laid the groundwork for his career as he went on to become the founder of GeoGreen Biofuels in 2003, where he also served as the President and CEO.
After working there until 2010, Holden transitioned into the role of a Franchise Owner/General Manager at Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in 2011. He diligently served there until 2013 before stepping into the world of real estate. In June 2014, he entered the real estate industry, joining Keller Williams Beverly Hills as a Realtor/Broker. Holden eventually left the organization in May 2018. Three months later, he became the co-owner of Sandy Garcia Realty, where he assumed the role of Broker Associate. After working there for around 1 year and 6 months, he moved on in January 2020. While serving in that position in October 2019, he witnessed a wildfire just 10 miles away from his residence. At the time, Holden was sitting with his daughter when he drew a sketch of a home going underground to escape the flames.
When Holden’s daughter saw the sketch, she called it the safe “magic house.” It made him realize that thousands of homes in California alone are destroyed by devastating wildfires. Even homes built with the best fire-resistant materials proved vulnerable, while other houses faced threats from extreme wind events such as tornadoes. That vision evolved into the beginning of HiberTec Homes in October 2019. Following that, the idea evolved with years of development alongside a dedicated team. On March 15, 2022, the company received the patent for the building structure translation system and method, followed by another patent for the cover system and method for retractable buildings on June 13, 2023. Moreover, they have also patented the utilities connection management system and method for retractable buildings on July 11, 2023.
In January 2024, HiberTec Homes raised $340,000 in Equity Crowdfunding and aims to raise $7 million in the Early Stage VC (Series A) round. As of writing, the company has created custom-designed modular homes that can automatically descend underground within 15 minutes or less when a residence faces the threat of wildfire or tornado. During that time, their patented system seamlessly disconnects utilities before descent, deploys a retractable alloy structure to seal the enclosure, and activates a non-toxic fire retardant spray to protect the surrounding area of the house. The homes can resurface once the danger passes. The ascent and descent can be easily controlled via a smartphone application.
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HiberTec Homes: Where Are They Now?
When HiberTec Homes officially introduced its wildfire-ready and tornado-proof concept, it marked a bold leap forward in residential safety. For now, the patented systems remain in the early stages, with the company focused on refining its offerings and educating homeowners about what the future of safe housing can look like. They initially plan to introduce customers to a premium product to scale their operations, thereby reducing costs through mass adoption and making it more accessible to the general public. At the heart of their concept are their thoughtfully designed home models, each blending functionality with modern residential design.
Their first model is the Catulum, offering 1,600 square feet of space with three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, all on a single-story building. The second model from HiberTec Homes is The Ursia, a two-story residence spanning 2,500 square feet with four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. It is designed to balance privacy with open, contemporary living. Lastly, their third model, The Arctosa, offers customers a more expansive two-story layout, which spans 4,000 square feet. It features five bedrooms, a dedicated study, and 5.5 bathrooms, crafted for those who prioritize both space and sophistication.
Customers can easily find answers to their frequently asked questions directly on the site. It lists their advanced safety systems, including a three-tier backup mechanism that ensures the house continues to function during system failures or power outages. The mechanisms include traditional electrical power, a first backup of the lithium battery system, and a second backup of gravity-based manual home-lowering options using a winch and pulley mechanism. As of writing, HiberTec Homes offers a 15-year contractor and manufacturer warranty.
Alongside that, HiberTec Homes provides free maintenance for 15 years, after which it is at a reasonable price. While the homes are yet to see widespread real-world use, the company has captured attention across multiple media platforms and within the construction sector. They are open to collaborating with builders, homeowners, and developers. In February 2025, Holden announced that HiberTec Homes would provide one wildfire-affected homeowner with a fully protected home system at the company’s expense, without keeping any profit. Currently, their innovative concept has the potential to transform how people protect their homes.
