Resilient Design Strategies for Architects and Homeowners
The recent Los Angeles Fires in the Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods have exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional construction methods in home building, which have remained relatively unchanged in the last century. Below are some fire-resistant architecture strategies to help mitigate fire risk. Like anything, these topics involve design problems, not merely a checklist to be followed.
Non-combustible exterior materials (walls and roof)
Cementitious Material (concrete, stucco, fiber cement siding), Aluminum, Steel, Masonry, Stone
Avoid large overhangs with combustible material
Overhangs are great for shade and reducing heat gain, but in a fire event can catch drifting embers.
Avoid Vents where embers can intrude:
In the foundation by using Slab-on-grade construction (or an-unvented crawlspace).
In the roof by using un-vented roofs (vaulted ceilings or conditioned attic spaces).
Insulation: Mineral wool and ceramic fibers are less combustible than fiberglass.
Tempered Glass Windows
Windows can be a source of fire intrusion after they break. Replace old windows with dual-pane, tempered glass windows.
Metal-framed windows and doors
Non-combustible frames will reduce the likelihood of fire intrusion.
Shutters or Sliding Panels over exposed glass surfaces.
These will prevent glass from breaking and flames from intruding.
Whole House Sprinklers
The California Residential Code section R313.2 requires automatic residential fire sprinkler systems in one and two family dwellings, except for additions and alterations to non-sprinklered existing buildings.
Exterior Sprinkler Systems
Can be manually activated or sensor-activated.
Dependent on adequate water supply and pressure.
Defensible Space – See Cal Fire Guidelines
Zone 0 (0-5’ from home) No Vegetation is recommended within 5’ of any structure (including tree limbs)
Zone 1 (5-30’ from home) Remove dead or dry leaves. Trim trees regularly to be 10’ away from other trees.
Zone 2 (30-100’ from home) Create space between shrubs and trees. Remove fallen leaves, needles, etc. Cut grass to a maximum of 4”. If present, move stored combustibles at least 30’ from any structure.
Avoid storage containers next to house
Including Rubbermaid or similar storage sheds
Move cars away from house (especially EV’s with combustible Lithium-Ion Batteries)
We are passionate about employing new technology to craft new forms of architecture that work with nature. While the strategies above focus primarily on the building’s exterior, having fewer combustible materials in the house makes a difference as well. Steel construction (both light gauge, and heavy steel) can also provide less fuel, and therefore fewer embers in the event of a fire. A wholistic approach must be taken when considering resiliency in building design and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Sources:
By Ron Culver, AIA and Joseph Sarafian, AIA
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