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sod-capped roofs. In the case of the East Mountain Drive residence, the
flat-roofed parapet is designed to fill with water, creating a temporary
roof shield in the event of fire.
As seen in the Pepper Hill Residence, exposed steel can be both
aesthetically pleasing and highly fire resistant. Metal-clad windows
withstand direct heat and flame much better than traditional wood
or vinyl windows. Large double-glazed metal windows and ½”-thick
laminated glass is used to maximize views and insulate these mod-
ern residences. Double-glazed windows act as an efficient thermal
barrier, unlike single-pane windows, which can crack under heat,
allowing fire inside. Single-pane glass can also transmit enough heat
to combust carpet, furniture, and draperies inside the building from
an adjacent external fire. In high fire hazard areas, non-flammable
felt curtains can be used to further reduce heat transference inside
structures.
Taking advantage of this area’s temperate climate, many rooms
open to the outside, creating indoor/outdoor living spaces where
s t ructures
iron, steel, and glass, a new style of architecture emerged, one in which
the use of form and materials creates a much more fire-resistant struc-
ture than its wood-clad counterparts.
Understanding that, let us examine three Montecito Modern examples
of fire-resistive architecture:
A building’s skin is as important as its form when it comes to fire
resistance. In these residences, plaster was used due to its cost,
fire-resistant nature and ability to be painted. Since large overhangs,
exposed roof eaves and rafter tails can trap and spread fire, the un-
derside of Loggia roofs and overhangs in these homes are covered in
exterior plaster, steel, or glass for additional protection. Metal cladding
installed over fire-resistive gypsum board, or locally quarried Santa
Barbara Sand Stone are popular highly fire-resistant materials, but
command a premium price versus the use of plaster.
There are many ways to protect a roof from fire, such as standing-
seam metal roofs, fire-rated composition shingles, and rooftop sprin-
kler systems; more avant-garde methods include roof ponds and
Staggered corner windows allow every
bedroom to capture mountain views