KB Home unveils first 'fire resilient community'

Key Concepts:

• Wildfire resilience standards
• Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)
• Flying embers, flames, radiant heat (major sources of ignition)
• Non-combustible materials (stucco, stone, metal fencing)
• Defensible space
• Tempered glass windows
• Covered gutters, enclosed eaves
• Fire-resistant/fireproof shutters and doors

Wildfire Resilience Standards Implementation

A first-of-its-kind development is underway in Escandido, just outside San Diego, where 64 single-family homes are being built to meet wildfire resilience standards developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). These standards are specifically designed to protect homes against the three major sources of ignition during wildfires: flying embers, flames, and radiant heat.

IBHS Standards and KB Home's Adoption

IBHS, a nonprofit organization, conducts research by setting fire to homes at its research facility to understand how structures respond to wildfires. KB Home executives witnessed one of these demonstrations last summer and decided to implement the IBHS standards in a community they had already begun constructing.

Architectural and Material Modifications

KB Home had to rapidly adapt the architecture of the homes to incorporate the wildfire resilience standards. This involved shifting towards more stucco-oriented designs and incorporating fire-resistant or fireproof shutters and doors, as well as tempered windows. The city of Escanido was cooperative in facilitating these changes.

Specific Features of the Homes

The homes incorporate several key features to enhance their wildfire resilience:

• Covered gutters and enclosed eaves: These prevent embers from accumulating and igniting combustible materials.
• Non-combustible siding: Stucco and stone are used as siding materials to resist ignition.
• Tempered glass windows: These are more resistant to cracking and shattering from heat.
• Non-combustible patios and doors: These prevent fire from spreading to the interior of the home.
• 6-inch vertical clearance: Concrete foundation, stucco, and stone are used to create a 6-inch vertical clearance.
• Defensible space: Vegetation is kept at least 5 feet away from the homes to reduce the risk of ignition from nearby plants.
• Metal fencing: Metal fencing is used throughout the property to prevent the spread of fire.

Future Developments and Insurability

This development serves as a "test bed" to demonstrate the effectiveness of these wildfire resilience measures. KB Home is already planning two other projects in Escanido, focusing on duplexes and townhomes. It is anticipated that other builders will follow suit and adopt similar standards. A key goal is to make the homes more insurable by reducing their risk of fire damage.

Cost and Market Context

KB Home did not disclose the exact additional costs associated with implementing the wildfire resilience standards. The homes are priced in the $1 million plus range, which is considered "move up" pricing for the Escanido area.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The KB Home development in Escanido represents a significant step towards building more wildfire-resilient homes. By incorporating IBHS standards and utilizing non-combustible materials, defensible space, and other protective features, these homes are designed to withstand the major threats posed by wildfires. This project serves as a model for future developments and aims to improve the insurability of homes in wildfire-prone areas. The success of this initiative could lead to wider adoption of these standards by other builders and contribute to reducing the devastating impact of wildfires on communities.