Roberto Paz, AIA Info Castellano 
Resilient California House
A new California house today should be designed to deal with the main challenges and dangers that we face now and that will become more serious in the coming decades:
Extreme climate and wildfire.
Our strategy is focused on the implementation of three elements:
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California Passive House
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Fire-Resilient Building Materials
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Wildfire Defensible Space
California Passive House is our system that focuses on the Passive House elements that will be most important to a California homeowner.
High performance windows and doors are important for energy efficiency and can be extremely important in case of wildfire reaching the structure.
We make sure that we communicate with each homeowner and select the systems that fit your needs and budget. We start from a compact footprint and keep the volume simple, avoiding spots where an ember could land and stay.
More about the Passive House standard HERE
High performance windows and doors are important for energy efficiency and can be extremely important in case of wildfire reaching the structure.
We make sure that we communicate with each homeowner and select the systems that fit your needs and budget. We start from a compact footprint and keep the volume simple, avoiding spots where an ember could land and stay.
More about the Passive House standard HERE
Fire-Resilient Building Materials are extremely important in the defense of your home. Fortunately, we have many options when it comes to high performance building materials.
Cladding options include fiber cement boards, thermally modified wood and bamboo. Insulation made of stone wool, in exterior rigid boards and interior batts, contribute to a fire resilient wall.
The design of walls, roof and elements like vents, needs to be based on the latest data. We keep an eye on research, as well as strategies that have been successful in recent fire events.
Cladding options include fiber cement boards, thermally modified wood and bamboo. Insulation made of stone wool, in exterior rigid boards and interior batts, contribute to a fire resilient wall.
The design of walls, roof and elements like vents, needs to be based on the latest data. We keep an eye on research, as well as strategies that have been successful in recent fire events.
Wildfire Defensible Space is the buffer zone you create between your home and the flammable vegetation surrounding it. This space helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protects your home from catching fire.
Key zones:
Creating defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from wildfire.
Key zones:
- Zone 0: (0-5 feet from your home): This is the most crucial zone. It should be completely free of flammable materials. Use hardscaping like gravel or stone instead of mulch.
- Zone 1: (5-30 feet from your home): Clear all dead plants, grass, and weeds. Trim trees and shrubs to create vertical and horizontal spacing.
- Zone 2: (30-100 feet from your home): Continue reducing vegetation, but with less intensity.
Creating defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from wildfire.