When Dwelling Lab founder Neil Ginty walked the fire-damaged property of client John Jackson in Altadena, it was more than a site visit. The experience reframed how we think about designing homes in California’s fire-prone landscapes.
Altadena was a place of pretty stark devastation but also remarkable resilience. John’s fruit trees had started growing back and some neighbors had already finished framing their new, old homes. Interestingly, some neighbors homes survived the fires and we have theories on how, below…
The message was clear though, recovery is possible—but it requires foresight. The visit with John reinforced our commitment to fire-resilient design and the importance of a home as a sanctuary.
Designing for a Fire-Resilience
Our approach to fire-resilient design is now integrated into every phase of a project, particularly with our standard detailing. We focus on key areas of the home that are most vulnerable to embers.
Ember-Resistant Eaves Vents
One of the most vulnerable parts of a home is its attic where airflow is necessary but can also draw embers inside easily through standard vents. We now specify ember-resistant eaves vents as standard, which are specially designed with a fine mesh or baffling system to prevent embers from entering while still allowing for adequate airflow.
Fire-Resistant Roofing
The roof is a home’s first line of defense against falling embers. We recommend materials with a Class A fire rating, the highest classification for fire resistance.
These include metal roofing, which is non-combustible and durable, and clay or concrete tiles, which are also highly fire-resistant. Asphalt shingles with a fiberglass mat can also achieve a Class A rating.
Non-Combustible Cladding
The exterior walls of a home are also a critical area. We advocate for non-combustible cladding materials that won’t ignite or melt from radiant heat. Some good options for California homes include stucco or fiber cement siding, which is a durable, non-combustible material that is highly resistant to flames.
Homeowner Wildfire Prevention Measures
While fire-resilient design is crucial, it’s only one part of the equation. Homeowners in fire-prone areas can take proactive steps to create a defensible space around their property, a concept that is gaining legal traction in some California jurisdictions.
The City of Berkeley, for example, has an ordinance requiring residents in high-risk zones to create a defensible space of up to 100 feet from their home. A key aspect of this is a five-foot ember-resistant zone immediately around the house. This zone should be free of all combustible materials, including wooden mulch, dead vegetation, and woodpiles. This “lean, clean, and green” approach gives your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.
Toward a More Resilient Future
For us at Dwelling Lab, John’s property in Altadena is more than a project—it’s a reminder of what California homeowners face every fire season, and what design can do to help. His fruit trees are already growing back, a quiet symbol of renewal. His new home will rise with them, designed to not only restore what was lost but to stand stronger against what’s ahead.
Because resilience isn’t just about structures. It’s about lives, communities, and peace of mind in the landscapes we call home.
