Category-5 is a homebuilding system made for modern temperatures, storms, floods and fires, and for resilience in the face of climate change. Our durable, survivable designs bring together strong and efficient materials to deliver the security, comfort and beauty that homeowners deserve.

This approach is based on the inventory of techniques we’ve developed over decades to tackle the hazards confronting our clients. These have included, for example, designs for fire resistive walls, and roofs that can harness seasonal winds for thermal advantage. Their combination in our system embodies a comprehensive, field-tested strategy for surviving modern weather and related conditions.

Traditionally, “thinking-as-usual” solutions to the construction challenges from climate change have favored incremental changes in old habits, or optimistic “magic bullets.” Unfortunately, these have proved to be distractions, not solutions. In contrast, practical resilience means using well-known technologies in new assemblies (e.g. for walls or roofs) that offer more effective, more systematic responses to site conditions. For example, we’ve learned how new combinations of old methods can create unprecedented fire resistance from the top to the bottom of a home’s shell. Familiar methods mean contractors are easy to find, work can be timely, and costs better controlled. The new assemblies themselves can deliver remarkable breakthroughs in efficiency and durability. There are no guarantees in a contest with nature, but integrated with their contexts and focused on combating severe weather, our buildings can assure greater comfort and security than any alternative.

Category-5 Partners is pleased to offer planning and builder support for construction of this unique system, including step-by-step guidance for owners, engineers and qualified contractors, and services related to specifying and purchasing its elements.