# Retractable Modular Homes The HiberTec Home is a Retractable Modular House By Amy Duong | Published 2026-07-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hibertec-homes References: [hibertec](https://hibertec.com/)  The HiberTec Home is a retractable modular house designed to lower itself into an [underground vault](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plan-b-1) during wildfires, tornadoes and other extreme weather events. Developed by HiberTec Homes, the patented system automatically disconnects utilities, activates fire-protection measures and seals the structure before lowering the home below ground in approximately 15 minutes. The design integrates with [modular housing systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mspace-prefab-house) through a hydraulic platform intended to operate with minimal changes to existing home designs. The concept was developed by founder Holden Forrest beginning in 2019 with support from structural and thermal engineering specialists. The system is currently in the prototype stage following investment secured on [Shark Tank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poolsofa), where development of the first working model was announced. HiberTec aims to reduce construction costs from an estimated $1,000 to approximately $400 per square foot as production expands. Image Credit: HiberTec Homes ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.5/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retractable Housing Systems:** Underground-deployable homes introduce new resilience models for regions facing escalating climate-related property risks. - **Automated Disaster Protection:** Self-sealing utility disconnection and fire-protection mechanisms create space for smarter residential safety infrastructure. - **Climate-resilient Modular Design:** Adaptable modular platforms with embedded hazard response features may reshape affordability expectations in resilient construction. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Residential Construction:** Builders can reference retractable foundations as a signal of demand for homes that combine standard layouts with extreme-weather survivability. - **Property Insurance:** Risk models may evolve around protective home technologies that reduce exposure to wildfire, tornado and storm damage. - **Smart Home Technology:** Connected automation systems for structural defense expand the role of home tech from convenience into physical asset protection. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Polished Matching Loungewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uniqlos-new-loungewear-collection.md) - [Edible Hot Sauce Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proper-snacks.md) - [Sour Candy Creatine Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sour-grape-creatine-gummies.md) - [Lifestyle Football Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-atelier-total-90.md) - [Exclusive Tour Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-pizzas.md) - [Coastal Courtyard Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-double-courtyard-house.md) - [Creator Reality Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bikini-island-series.md) - [Pre-Fall Fashion Campaign Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefall-2026-campaign.md) - [Full-Time Living Tiny Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-timber-homes-redwood.md)