Wildfire Effects on Architecture:
The climate is constantly changing and doing so at a rapid speed. The amount of wildfires continue to grow every year and more homes and communities are effected as the numbers grow. In a time where wildfires are becoming more common, we believe that resilient and fire-resistive architecture has never been more pertinent. We need our built environment to change and adapt with the natural environment.
Hubbell and Hubbell has over 25 years of experience designing fire-resistive structures in the Western United States. We have designed, permitted, and completed dozens of near fire-proof structures by using fire-resistive building strategies. Over 30 of these buildings were for owners who lost their homes in a recent wildfire. Drew Hubbell attended and spoke at the UC Davis Wildfire Resilient Structures (WiReS) Conference and Tradeshow in February 2023 and has a strong knowledge of the latest fire-resistive technologies. We value the importance of wildfire resiliency and we want to work with you to protect your property and home.
How do we design fire resistive architecture?
- FIRE-RESISTIVE MATERIALS: We use fire-resistant building materials like plaster, adobe, insulated concrete form, and foam core sandwich panels.
- FIRE-RESISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: Using technologies like fire shutters, fire-resistant vents or smoke curtains can help prevent flames from entering a building or exiting a building and spreading to other structures nearby.
- STRUCTURE SEPARATION: Jurisdictions have specific requirements for separation distances because providing adequate space between structures is important for fire damage prevention. This includes accessory structures, decks, fences, shade canopies, and even outdoor furniture.
- PLAN FIRE MITIGATION: Removing existing bark mulch, needles, leaves and vegetation, and maintaining a clean space around the perimeter of the home minimizes the potential of a house fire spreading to the natural landscape outside and of a wildfire reaching the house.
- REHABILITATE BUILDINGS IMPACTED BY FIRE: We have designed the rehabilitation and rebuild of buildings destroyed or damaged by wildfires. The design and rebuild of Rancho Alegria, facilitated by Hubbell and Hubbell, is a great example.
What fire prevention services do we offer?
- Risk Analysis
- Architecture & Design
- Building Permitting
- Consulting
Fire Resistive Resources:
San Diego County Wildland-Urban Interface: Fire and Building Code Requirements
California Fire Safe Council: Fire Safety Information for Residents
