[jyl]

Interesting to see the reports about the houses that survived likely due to their design.

No overhanging eaves, sleek exteriors without nooks for embers to pile up, inflammable roofing and exterior sheathing, fire-resistant venting, double-paned heat-resistant glass in windows, no curtains, dryscaping, etc. They are modern looking but attractive. Gonna be a lot of similar designs going back up.

The thing is, those designs are also at odds with what you otherwise want in that climate. It is hot, you want overhangs shading windows and walls, shade structure over patios, vegetation filtering sunlight. The traditional “California bungalow” has deep eaves and plantings for a reason. Also, by the ocean, you want large windows that can open wide for cross-breezes.

I wonder if there is a way to have deep shady overhangs that are still fire-resistant? Suppose you had an overhang of sloped steel slats, widely spaced so wind and fire blow through, but angled to block the sun? Is there a way to have large openable windows that are fire-resistant? Suppose you had steel shutters that roll down to cover the windows, kind of like security shutters on some streetfront retail spaces in sketchy cities?