The Future of Home Design in the Foothills
If you live in Altadena, you know the magic of the foothills. You know the way the light hits the San Gabriels at sunset and the scent of sage in the air. But after the devastating fires earlier this year, we also know the risks.
As our community begins the hard work of rebuilding and renovating, a new phrase is buzzing around town: Chapter 7.
If you’re planning a build or a remodel, you might view these building codes as just another hurdle. But as a designer, I see them differently. I see them as the blueprint for a new "Altadena Aesthetic"—one that is as resilient as it is beautiful.
What is "Chapter 7" anyway?
When people mention "Chapter 7" in the context of the recent fires, they are usually talking about Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. This is the section dedicated to Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.
With the 2025 code updates, these regulations are stricter than ever for homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)—which includes much of Altadena. But here is the good news: Safety doesn't have to look like a bunker.
Here is how we are turning these new regulations into stunning design features.
1. The Roof: Your First Line of Defense
The new codes heavily focus on "Class A" fire-rated roofing.
The Design Pivot: Gone are the days when wood shake was the only option for a rustic look. We are seeing a surge in standing-seam metal roofs. They offer a sleek, modern farmhouse vibe (or a mid-century modern look) and are incredibly fire-resistant. They shed embers rather than catching them.
The Detail: We are also designing "sealed eaves." Instead of exposed rafter tails that can trap heat and embers, we box them in with fire-resistant soffits. This creates a clean, crisp architectural line that feels intentional and high-end.
2. Windows: The Eyes of the Home
Chapter 7A requires multi-paned glass with at least one tempered pane to resist shattering under extreme heat.
The Design Pivot: This is an excuse to upgrade. We are using massive, dual-glazed windows with steel or aluminum frames. These materials are far more resistant to melting than vinyl, and the tempered glass offers better insulation and soundproofing. You get the safety you need with the floor-to-ceiling views you want.
3. Siding: Armor with Style
Combustible siding is a major weak point. The new codes push for ignition-resistant materials.
The Design Pivot: This is leading to a renaissance of stucco, cement board, and natural stone. We are moving away from faux-wood and embracing the raw, textural beauty of smooth-troweled stucco or Shou Sugi Ban (charred wood) aesthetics achieved with fire-rated fiber cement. It’s a sophisticated, earthy palette that blends perfectly with our foothill surroundings.
4. Vents: The Hidden Hero
One of the biggest culprits in home loss isn't the flame itself- it's the embers that get sucked into the attic through vents.
The Design Pivot: We now use specialized ember-resistant vents that look like standard architectural grilles but contain a mesh fine enough to stop embers. It’s a small detail, but it’s the difference between a house standing or falling.
5. Zone 0: The "Hardscape" Revolution
You’ve heard of defensible space, but the new "Zone 0" (the first 5 feet from your house) is critical. It essentially requires no combustible vegetation right up against the walls.
The Design Pivot: This is where landscape design shines. Instead of dry mulch or thirsty bushes against the house, we are designing elegant gravel perimeter beds, concrete aprons, and stone walkways. It creates a museum-like quality around the home, framing the architecture while keeping the fire risk at a distance.
The New Altadena Home
The fires changed our landscape, but they haven't changed the spirit of this place. The homes rising from the ashes are smarter, stronger, and built to last for generations.
Whether you are rebuilding, renovating, or just looking to "harden" your current home against future seasons, know this: Resilience is beautiful.
