I’ve been working on residential architecture for 18 years. In this time I’ve had the opportunity to work on homes in a wide range of sizes and budgets. I’ve learned a lot about the importance of building science in protecting a home. This focus on the best ways to build each part of a home has become even more important as we face the challenges of wildfire. At this point we have clear evidence that there are strategies we can implement to protect structures. I like to say that we have dials, not buttons. We can fine tune the dial to find the point at which your wishes and the needs of construction come to balance. This is preferable to a button that makes everything fireproof (and possibly uncomfortable, expensive and unsightly).
With these systems that have proven effective before, we can now focus on making your family’s priorities the main focus. So you can enjoy a home that will stand for generations to come.

Sustainability Expertise & Credentials

Sustainability Expertise: Yes

Sustainability Expertise & Credentials:

In addition to the typical sustainable practices that are required by the State of California, I've focused on mass timber as a direction with a lot of potential. I've participated in a Mass Timber Boot Camp training at the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland, OR. Good relationships with high performance window manufacturers, as well as the latest insulation and cladding products, help prepare us for a sustainable California future.

Fire Resiliency Experience: Yes

Fire Resiliency Experience Details:

Since losing a project in the Woolsey Fire of 2018, I've dedicated a fair amount of time to thinking about the best ways to rebuild. It’s very important to focus on a holistic strategy that considers all aspects of the building envelope. We know that a house is only as fire safe as it’s weakest element. Our three main strategies are:
- California Passive House. We take the most effective aspects of Passive House building standards for a California home: Airtightness: When walls, roof, doors and windows are designed to be airtight, this prevents drafts and uncontrolled air leakage, significantly reducing energy waste. At the same time, where there are no drafts, there are fewer places for an ember to enter the house and start a fire on furniture, papers or cabinets.
Another important benefit is that ash and toxins don’t enter the house. Ash and toxins have been responsible for a lot of damage in houses that did not burn. And the long term health risks are incalculable. Extreme Insulation: Adding a layer of fire resistant, high performance stone wool insulation outside of the structure of the walls and roof, help protect from extreme temperatures and the insulation and structure itself being lit by an ember.
- Fire-Resilient Building Materials
- Resilient Firescaping. I've received training to prioritize landscaping that helps protect a home from wildfire.

Paz Navas Architecture

Firm Details

Sustainability Expertise & Credentials

Contact Information

Architect Member or Associate* Member