2017 has been a difficult year for California in terms of wildfires and loss of structures. Summer brought fires that burned into Sonoma and Santa Rosa neighborhoods. Now here we are, early December, and the Thomas fire and five other large fires blaze across southern California requiring evacuation of more than 200,000 people, burning more than 150,000 acres and threatening mile after mile of our hillside and coastal cities. The Thomas fire alone has destroyed more than 400 structures (at present time) and with the winds picking up and only 15% containment, it continues to be a major threat.
Homeowners who have been impacted are already beginning the arduous recovery and rebuild process. As we take steps forward it is paramount that the new hillside homes take into consideration the ecology of the southern California wildland-urban interface and the physics of wildfires.
Homeowners who have been impacted are already beginning the arduous recovery and rebuild process. As we take steps forward it is paramount that the new hillside homes take into consideration the ecology of the southern California wildland-urban interface and the physics of wildfires.
 | What does "intelligent design" really mean?In this context, thoughtful design and intelligent building practices simply means giving deliberate thought to the risks inherent to the location and making design choices that increase the odds the home will survive the next wildfire. |
When we build into the hillsides, when we move into the chaparral and along the barrancas, we gain access to create dream homes with beautiful ocean and hillside views but we are also encroaching upon an existing ecosystem that has inherent risk for people and their dwellings. Our hillsides are covered in chaparral which must burn to fulfill its life mission -- to continue the species, to propagate and spread. They are also covered in barrancas, narrow valleys that channel the heat and fires, accelerating and spreading fires across the chaparral. Mix these up with dry conditions and 50+ mph Santa Ana winds blowing in from the desert and you’ve got a fast moving, hot mess wildfire like the Thomas fire that can cross acres in seconds, creating mass destruction along the way.
To live peacefully in the hillsides we must understand and work with the nature of this ecosystem. It is mandatory and essential that we build consciously and intelligently.
Traditionally, when designing and building a home, architects, contractors and homeowners would take an inside-out approach to fire protection with most of focus on the inside (smoke alarms, one hour fire resistant walls) and very little external consideration, typically centered around fire resistant roofs. Most external protection considerations focused on rain intrusion.
This approach is no longer enough to protect homes and families -- especially for hillside dwellings vulnerable to wildfires. It’s time to use a different, more intelligent approach. Intelligent architectural design decisions greatly improve the chances the home will survive the next, eventual wildfire.
Some key examples of fire safety design considerations include:
If you are rebuilding on the hillside in California we encourage you to talk intelligent design with your architect and contractor. The list above is a great starting point.
If you’re looking for an architect and would like discuss your project -- we’re here to help.
We are in the process of collaborating with other local professionals -- architects, designers, engineers, builders, contractors -- and working with city building, safety and planning departments as well as the local chapter of the AIA to ease the process for impacted homeowners and establish a pool of qualified local resources and best practices. To get in touch, drop us an email or give us a call at 805.766.9600 and we’ll get back to you right away.
Interested in more wildfire related articles? Here are some good reads:
To live peacefully in the hillsides we must understand and work with the nature of this ecosystem. It is mandatory and essential that we build consciously and intelligently.
Traditionally, when designing and building a home, architects, contractors and homeowners would take an inside-out approach to fire protection with most of focus on the inside (smoke alarms, one hour fire resistant walls) and very little external consideration, typically centered around fire resistant roofs. Most external protection considerations focused on rain intrusion.
This approach is no longer enough to protect homes and families -- especially for hillside dwellings vulnerable to wildfires. It’s time to use a different, more intelligent approach. Intelligent architectural design decisions greatly improve the chances the home will survive the next, eventual wildfire.
Some key examples of fire safety design considerations include:
- Optimal site design (such as where the structure is located and surrounding features)
- Fire resistant materials (be at the forefront or ahead of the requirements)
- Points of entry and airflow (doors, windows, garage doors)
- Ember path vulnerability (paths into cavities such as attics, crawl spaces, vents)
- Green bumpers (plants, green walls, terraces and planters)
- Roof and deck sprinkler systems (that becomes a rain curtain when fire approaches)
If you are rebuilding on the hillside in California we encourage you to talk intelligent design with your architect and contractor. The list above is a great starting point.
If you’re looking for an architect and would like discuss your project -- we’re here to help.
We are in the process of collaborating with other local professionals -- architects, designers, engineers, builders, contractors -- and working with city building, safety and planning departments as well as the local chapter of the AIA to ease the process for impacted homeowners and establish a pool of qualified local resources and best practices. To get in touch, drop us an email or give us a call at 805.766.9600 and we’ll get back to you right away.
Interested in more wildfire related articles? Here are some good reads:
- http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/downloads/Doc_7_FAQs_ALL.pdf
- https://www.wired.com/story/losangeles-wildfire-science/
- http://www.dailynews.com/2017/12/06/heres-how-rare-it-is-to-have-wildfires-in-december-in-california/
- http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/06/us/california-wildfire-numbers-trnd/index.html
About the Author:
William Growdon is an architect living and practicing architecture in Ventura. With more than 30 years experience in architecture, design and building -- William has designed and directed hundreds of structural projects, big and small, throughout California. William is the owner and principal of studioDIG architects, a full service architecture and design firm specializing in modern architecture with minimal environmental impact.
Learn more at studioDIG.com or call 805.766.9600.
William Growdon is an architect living and practicing architecture in Ventura. With more than 30 years experience in architecture, design and building -- William has designed and directed hundreds of structural projects, big and small, throughout California. William is the owner and principal of studioDIG architects, a full service architecture and design firm specializing in modern architecture with minimal environmental impact.
Learn more at studioDIG.com or call 805.766.9600.
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