California locals know all too well about the increasing threat of wildfires, making fire safety a critical consideration for new construction. As a builder with years of experience in fire prevention, Nick Jones Construction leads the charge in incorporating advanced fire safety features from the ground up. Blending innovative design with cutting-edge fire safety measures, Nick Jones Construction specializes in creating luxurious homes built to endure in the face of fire threats.
“It’s all about making decisions during the construction process that not only protect the people in the house but protect the house itself from fire,” explains Nick, whose background as a firefighter and senior fire inspector gives him a unique perspective on fire prevention; an expertise he brings into every project.
Two of their recent standout properties showcase their commitment to fire safety, illustrating how thoughtful planning, collaboration with fire experts and a commitment to exceeding safety codes result in aesthetically pleasing, fire-resistant homes.
Property 1: The Quincy
Located in a high-risk fire zone, The Quincy is a prime example of how early planning and thoughtful design can reduce a structure's vulnerability to fire. With 360-degree views, a movie theater, gym and saunas, the single-story, 9-bedroom, 11-bathroom masterpiece, known as “The Quincy,” sits on a sprawling 20-acre mountaintop in Hidden Valley’s White Stallion Ranch. The namesake of Nick’s late grandfather, prominent architect A. Quincy Jones, the home is a testament to the company’s commitment to fire prevention.
“This house is designed to not only survive but to keep its residents safe in the event of a fire,” says Nick. “We’re not just following codes—we’re setting new standards.”
Fire Safety Features:
- Class A Noncombustible Materials: From the start, building materials were selected with fire safety in mind. The home incorporates Class A materials, including concrete, stucco and tempered glass, specifically chosen for their resistance to fire.
- Water Infrastructure: By installing a 2-inch water line around the perimeter of the property and strategically placing fire department hose connections, Nick Jones Construction designed a system to ensure homeowners and local fire services have immediate access to water, a crucial issue in protecting homes.
- Strategic Brush Clearance: NJC went above and beyond complying with local fire regulations in clearing brush and creating defensible space around the property. “We don’t just meet the bare minimum requirements for brush clearance—we take extra steps, clearing areas where vegetation could act as fuel for a fire,” Nick explains.
- Water Reserves: The home features large pools in both the front and backyards, which serve as critical water reserves. With nearly 150,000 gallons of water stored on-site, the property is equipped to withstand fire threats with a fully integrated pumping system, including handlines with pressure pumps and portable, cart-driven water pumps to ensure water is available when it's most needed.
Despite the challenges of building on such a large parcel, particularly with the need to ensure access for firefighting equipment and to manage large areas of brush, The Quincy stands apart as a luxurious strategically designed fire-resistant fortress.
Property 2: Ellice Street, Malibu
Located above the iconic Neptune’s Net and offering breathtaking views of the ocean, Ellice Street in Malibu is another showcase of Nick Jones Construction’s fire-resistant design philosophy. With almost 12,000 square feet of space on just over an acre of oceanfront land, this 6-bedroom, 7-bath modern estate incorporates the latest in fire safety technology while embracing contemporary design elements.
“The key challenge here was balancing fire safety with the unique architectural vision,” Nick shares. “When working with different architects and engineers, it’s important to maintain clear communication to make sure the final design works with fire prevention systems we know will work.”
Fire Safety Features:
- Modern Fire-Resistant Materials: Steel, stucco and tempered glass provide maximum resistance to fire while contributing to the sleek, modern look. The absence of exposed wood—an element often associated with fire vulnerability—is replaced with more resilient materials, ensuring that the home is as fire resistant as possible. “We’ve moved away from materials like wood, which are a fire risk,” Nick explains. “Today’s buyers want homes with clean lines and a modern aesthetic—and those materials are often safer, too.”
- Fire Suppression Systems: As with The Quincy, this property features a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, including hand pumps and water pumps that draw from the pool to ensure a constant water supply. The fire pumps are strategically integrated into the home’s design to provide coverage across the property. “These systems are designed not just for safety, but to ensure that there is always water available, even if we face a serious fire event,” Nick says.
- Maintaining a Safe Construction Site: During construction, particular attention was paid to fire risks, especially during framing when dry lumber is often exposed. Proper water pressure and access to hydrants were ensured, and insurance policies were tailored to address the specific fire risks of the property. “We worked closely with our insurance providers to ensure that we had the right policies in place, and we kept the job site clean and well-maintained to reduce fire hazards,” Nick notes. “Maintaining the site during building is just as important as the finished structure.”
The home’s layout, combined with the careful selection of materials and fire suppression systems, creates a structure that offers maximum protection against fire without compromising on style. Nick also emphasizes how local building codes have evolved to address fire risk.
“Building codes are always changing to keep up with new fire safety knowledge, and it’s important to stay ahead of those changes. We’re designing homes not just for today, but for the future.”
Above & Beyond
Both of these homes demonstrate Nick Jones Construction’s unwavering commitment to fire safety, which goes above and beyond simply meeting code requirements.
“Fire safety is about creating a space where you don’t have to evacuate in an emergency,” Nick says. “We want to create homes that are designed to withstand fire, not just survive it.”
The Future of Fire-Safe Homes
As fire risks continue to rise, the importance of fire-resistant construction has never been clearer. Nick Jones Construction is paving the way for homes that are designed not just to withstand fire, but to provide safety, peace of mind and durability for years to come.
“Building homes that can survive a fire isn’t just about meeting codes. It’s about anticipating risks, using the best materials and ensuring that every part of the house works together to keep its occupants safe,” Nick says. “It’s about building for the future.”
“I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to not just meet the code but to exceed it. By working with fire professionals and continuously assessing risk, we can build homes that will stand the test of time and fire.”
Learn more at NickJonesConstruction.com.
Key Fire Safety Features
- Defensible Spaces: Thoughtfully landscaped areas that act as barriers to slow the spread of fire and ensure easy access for firefighting teams.
- Ember-Resistant Zones: Ensuring all vents are spark-resistant and that the materials used prevent the spread of embers.
- Collaboration with Insurance Companies: Consulting with insurance providers during the building process to integrate their feedback on fire safety measures adds an extra layer of protection for homeowners.