California burning-again

[Dino Suegiù]

Originally Posted by Louis

This won't help folks with existing homes, but are people starting to build houses that are less likely to burn to the ground?

I suppose that drives up the initial cost, but would presumably lower your insurance rates.

Not "starting" at all; this kind of construction has been going on and evolving for millennia.

But, yes, in "modern" terms there is a significant sector that by necessity addresses these issues. One beautiful example among many is the house/studio the Canadian architect Barton Myers built for himself in the Santa Barbara, California fire zone. He has built many similar houses in that area, all beautiful.

1997:
Steel and concrete structure/cladding (no wood).
The house/studio/guest are separated into separate pavilions.
Rolling steel fire-doors completely cocoon/protect the structure when residents are away.
Rainwater collection pools on roofs and cisterns to cool/provide firefighting water.
External pools provide more water and cooling.
Surrounding landscape is responsibly maintained.
Access/egress routes are always clear.
This project has survived several events, relatively unscathed.

It's just responsible design, really.
If people insist on building all-wood Swiss chalet replicas in historical fire zones, with a forest of pine trees ten feet away, those structures are going to burn.


http://www.bartonmyers.com/toro_01.htm

Good video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L33we8YJWpQ