HiberTec Homes began with an idea that took shape in California during a period of increasing wildfire damage. Holden Forrest, an entrepreneur with a background in construction, real estate, and startups, founded the business in 2019 after developing a concept for homes that could lower underground during extreme weather events.
Forrest did not work alone. He brought in engineers, architects, and advisors to test whether the idea could move beyond a concept. Over several years, a small team refined the system, focusing on hydraulics, structural design, and utility connections. The group secured patents covering key parts of the design, which helped formalize the work and define how the system would function in real-world conditions.
Mikke Pierson joined as a political advisor after his time in local government in Malibu, where wildfire recovery shaped much of his work. His role tied the project to local planning and public safety concerns, while also helping the team navigate regulatory questions tied to housing and land use.
The operation centers on designing and building homes that integrate a mechanical system beneath the structure. The process combines standard construction methods with excavation and hydraulic components. Rather than acting as a traditional homebuilder, the business works with contractors, developers, and modular home manufacturers, adapting existing housing models to fit the system.
Growth has followed a typical early-stage path. The first years focused on engineering and proof of concept. After that, the team moved toward prototypes and outside funding, including a small crowdfunding round that drew early investors. Plans to scale depend on partnerships with builders and the ability to produce homes at lower cost as production increases.
By the mid-2020s, the business remained in development while preparing for wider release. The structure of the operation reflects its origins: a technical idea developed by a small team, shaped over time into a product that fits within the existing housing and construction system.
