Backyard is fire resistant by design. Here’s how.
California shapes how we think about building. To create high-performing homes built for today and tomorrow, we’ve carefully selected materials and made practical design decisions for longevity—choices that naturally create inherent fire resistance.
A foundation of resilient materials
The structural core of every Backyard unit is light gauge steel—a choice that provides both exceptional durability and natural fire resistance (as well as protection from mold, rot, and pests). Our exterior envelope builds on this foundation:
- The roof system combines standing seam metal rated Class A per ASTM E84 (the highest classification for surface burning characteristics) with a fire-resistant underlayment. We eschew traditional eaves in favor of a cleaner design that also enhances fire resistance. When gutters are required, we install guards to prevent tree debris buildup.
- For exterior walls, we offer two equally robust options: smooth-coated steel or fiber cement siding. Both carry Class 1 certification per FM 4880: the most stringent fire rating for exterior wall assemblies, evaluating their performance during actual fire exposure. Any exterior wall can be upgraded to include a one-hour fire-rated assembly, which delays fire spread between structures and is sometimes required for code compliance.
- Windows and doors feature metal cladding and tempered dual-pane glass. This combination eliminates ignitable exterior materials and ensures the frames maintain their integrity at high temperatures, mitigating glass displacement during extreme heat exposure.
- Interior materials complement these systems, including Class A-rated (ASTM E84) drywall for walls and ceilings and fire-rated rigid and fiberglass insulation throughout.
Together, these elements create a structure that meets (and in some areas exceeds) California’s Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code requirements—one of the nation’s most comprehensive standards for fire resistance.
Thoughtful system integration
The air you breathe matters just as much as the walls around you, so we designed our HVAC system for both comfort and safety. Exterior vents incorporate ember resistance through protective hoods and metal mesh covers. A MERV-13 filtration system captures particles as small as 0.5 microns—targeting not only smoke particles, but also viruses, pollen, dust, and other pollutants.
When the outdoor air quality is poor, the system can be switched to interior-only air circulation, continuously filtering the air inside Backyard.
Where required by code, Backyard can also be upgraded to include fire sprinklers.
Beyond the structure
Our projects team works with clients to extend fire-smart thinking beyond the unit itself. This can include guidance on deck design, landscaping choices, and site preparation that align with current best practices in fire safety.
With five prefab models, Samara has an ADU for every yard.
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