Fire destroys infrastructure, causing casualties and economic losses. Inhaling smoke can cause severe cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure.
By mimicking Giant Sequoia trees, we create fire-resistant infrastructure that takes longer to burn so that people could evacuate safely.
Charlie
Oliver
Initial
Ideas/Sketches
Charlie's Idea 1
Alpaca Fur, Fungi
Properties Mimicked
Giant Sequoia trees often do not burn during a wildfire
Moisture-retaining bark of Giant Sequoia trees resists ignition
Implementation in Our Design
Gel layer simulates the Sequoia’s moisture-retaining bark
Sprinkler system keeps the gel and wooden exterior hydrated (like rain for trees)
Conceptual Precedents
Conceptual Precedents
Time Stamp: until 0:22
Technical Precedents
Exterior Sketch (I)
Interior Sketch (I)
Iteration #1:
House (Exterior) Building
Iteration #2:
Electronic Wiring + Code
Iteration #3:
Debugging + Re-wiring
ChatGPT Feedback
Add small holes or a textured surface to the walls of the house to mimic Giant Sequoia bark’s porous structure, improving water absorption and moisture retention for better fire resistance.
Consider using a mister instead of a sprinkler.
Incorporate temperature or fire sensors into the system to automate the watering process.
Exterior Sketch (II)
Iteration #4:
Combining House and Electronics
Future Planning
Integrate a remote or fire-alert activation system for automatic deployment of water
Use multi-directional misters to hydrate the gel layer from all sides
Perform controlled burn tests to validate real-world performance