Fuse Architects + Builders
We are excited to bring you the very first installment of our monthly newsletter, where we’ll be sharing architecture trends, industry updates, company news, and our unique insights on design. Starting this month, you can look forward to receiving this newsletter on the first of each month, filled with valuable content that not only keeps you informed but also inspires and sparks new ideas.
Whether it’s cutting-edge trends in architecture, updates on our latest projects, or innovations that can improve your home’s safety and aesthetic, we’ll be providing fresh perspectives and relevant information.
In this edition, we’ll be diving into the topic of fire-resistant design, particularly for homes in fire-prone areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains.
As the threat of wildfires continues to loom over California, including the Santa Cruz Mountains, many homeowners are faced with the harsh reality that fire insurance is becoming either prohibitively expensive or entirely unavailable. The CZU Lightning Complex fire, which devastated the region and tragically claimed many homes—including some of our own clients'—is a sobering reminder of this risk.
At Fuse, we understand the critical need for fire-resistant materials that not only offer protection but also add to the beauty of your home. This is why we recommend Corten steel as a key element many architectural designs, especially for homes in fire-prone areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Corten steel, known for its strikingly rich, rust-like appearance, offers more than just aesthetic appeal. Its unique properties make it highly fire-resistant, giving your home an added layer of protection against wildfires. Unlike traditional materials that can ignite or weaken under extreme heat, Corten steel maintains its strength and integrity, serving as a fireproof shield for your home.
Incorporating Corten steel into your home’s exterior not only reassures you with its fireproof qualities but also adds a modern, natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. This is particularly crucial in areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the rugged beauty of nature is a valued part of the living experience.
We believe in designing homes that are as resilient as they are beautiful. For our clients in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we are committed to using innovative, fire-resistant materials like Corten steel to help protect what matters most. As architects, we aim to not only create spaces that inspire but also build homes that withstand the ever-present risks of fire.
If you are concerned about fire safety for your mountain home, let us help you explore solutions that bring both peace of mind and striking design.
One of the most compelling examples of fire-resistant architecture that we've designed is the Lehi Girls Camp Bathrooms. After a devastating wildfire swept through the area, this building stood as a testament to the effectiveness of fireproof design. Remarkably, it was the only structure left standing on the entire property. Aside from the toilet paper and plastic paper towel holders, which were the only casualties of the fire, the rest of the bathroom was untouched and looked identical to how it was before the blaze.
This event was a powerful reminder of the critical importance of using fire-resistant materials in our designs, especially in high-risk areas. Since that fire, the Lehi Girls Camp has entrusted us with redesigning all of their future buildings to be fire resistant, ensuring that they are better prepared for any future wildfires.
Inspired by the success at Lehi, we have expanded this approach across many of our clients' homes, particularly those in wildfire-prone regions like the Santa Cruz Mountains. By utilizing Corten steel and CMU block, materials known for resilience against fire—we are helping to safeguard homes from the inevitable threat of wildfires. Our focus on fire resistant design is not just about protection, but about building homes that endure, providing peace of mind as well as beauty.
We’re thrilled to announce the completion and grand opening of the new Capitola Village Wharf Arch, design led by Courtney Christiansen.
The wharf was unveiled to the public on September 25, 2024. The wharf holds a special place in the hearts of locals, as the original structure was tragically destroyed by massive waves during the storms last year. Our new arch design symbolizes resilience and the revitalization of this beloved landmark. It’s not just a gateway to the wharf; it’s a symbol of community strength and the rebirth of a cherished space.
But this is just the beginning! More buildings are set to rise on the wharf soon, as we continue to work on projects that will further enhance this iconic part of Capitola. We’re honored to play a role in restoring such an important piece of the community, and we can’t wait to see how these developments bring new life to the area.
The Cube, Corten Steel Guest House in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Photographed by Ethan Gordon
Wildfire 1: Photographed by Malachi Brooks
Wildfire 2: Photographed by Malachi Brooks