SAFE Take a few cues from Al and Lana Corbi’s own home outside Los Angeles. Disguised biometric checkpoints, hidden security cameras, noncombustible building materials, and a fortified “safe core”—among many other features, including an emergency helipad on the roof (helicopter not included)—mean that the Corbis will most likely make it through whatever life throws at them, be it an earthquake, a wildfire, or even a riot.

Gaffco Ballistics Tom Gaffney is your man if you want peace of mind combined with quality craftsmanship. Gaffney also fortifies offices, banks, and boardrooms using high-end aftermarket finishes and custom woodwork. If you want your hand-carved oak library door to withstand a .38 caliber bullet—because it secretly contains ballistic Kevlar plates—call Gaffco.

Architect Joseph Tanney says the house was designed as a safe haven for Wexler and Zimmerman’s children.

The protective silicone covering slips on and off of the bottle and is dishwasher-safe.

The enclosed run allows your pet to roam safely and securely.

The siding and roof are both metal, a fire-safe choice in a region with serious wildfire risk. The deck was built from paved stones.

Have your children help you go through their book collections and pick out what books they haven't read yet. If you are able to safely leave your home, you can coordinate curbside dropoff book exchanges with friends.

The courtyard acts like an outdoor living room, where the Arnolds’ daughter, Josie, plays freely, safe from nearby traffic. The family dines here most of the year at the custom-designed wood-and-steel table. The picnic table set reappropriates the century-old eucalyptus tree that once grew on the site.

Always put contingencies aside. During any renovation, it is critical to set aside money for the "what if" or emergency scenarios. For example, there might be plumbing that you didn’t anticipate needing to replace. Conventional wisdom suggests adding 15 to 20 percent to your contractor’s renovation cost to safely consider these contingencies.

A wine rack keeps bottles safe while on the open road.

The bat bricks are by Ibstock Brick. “They have a wonderful range of eco-habitat products that integrate seamlessly into buildings without affecting the integrity of the construction,” explains architect Helena Rivera. “It ensures the bats are warm and safe from predators, like cats, whilst also keeping them away from nesting inside the house.

Cash and Rock are shown here in front of a blackened steel “fireplace wall” that was designed by Hufft Projects. Matthew explains how he’s learned to design things that are durable and safe. He continues, “You never realize how destructive kids are until you have them. I’m continuously learning from them and how they interact within architecture.”

Ryan says to think of the Mono as a "safe haven to escape to when you need a retreat."

A folding glass NanaWall system "allows the clients to keep an eye on their kids while working in the kitchen," says Blaine, who dubbed the space the 'NanAtrium.' "It helps keep the kids safe and contained, and helps the family get back to enjoying life." A swing door provides easy in-and-out access when the glass wall isn't fully opened.

Today, the cabin has a new purpose: it’s a safe haven for a friend who is a surgeon in Portland.

Safe and Warm in the Sun Dome

Yuan reconfigured the balcony layout and pulled the stairs to the side for safer circulation.

A bright kitchen is not only healthier for your eyes, it also makes preparing food safer and will probably put you in a cheerier mood.

Getting the hammock installed posed a bit of a challenge. Adair and Kopp found it tough to find a company to help with executing their idea. “It’s interesting to know that if you want to do something with a little bit of risk, it really takes some convincing,” says Adair. With the help of a U.S.-based company that dealt with large-scale net facilities, they got a group together and lashed the whole perimeter to create a safe, sturdy, supportive weaving.

Efficient wardrobes in the guest rooms, courtesy of Holler Design, bring together a built-in fridge, safe, coffeemaker, and desk.

Two San Francisco art and travel addicts overhauled a loft—and customized a pair of shipping containers—to accommodate their collection and reflect their passions. The shipping containers were stacked, joined with steel tubes, and lashed to reinforced floor joints to make them earthquake-safe.

Make sure design work safe

Kid can safe on staicars with limit handrail

The family dog loves to play in the new backyard - it was imperative to make the space safe and suitable for him, as well as the human residents.

“After touring the factory, we could see that the working conditions looked safe and comfortable and that the building materials would stay dry at all times and go up quickly,” he says. “Traditional construction could have exposed our framing and flooring to the elements for weeks.”

"If you had to quarantine, it’s the best place to do it," says Jobe. "You have a connection to the outdoors, you’re comfortable with air and light. It’s impossible not to think about spaces in these terms now—how the places we’re living and working can keep us safe."

Upstairs, a 150-square-foot flex space can work as an office, media area, or lounge. "The view and the light are so nice, I’m thinking of making it a joint workspace so coworkers can come work here when it’s safe," says Nils. A Perimeter pendant light from Blu Dot illuminates the stairway.

Solvatten Solar Safe-Water System. Petra Wadström (Swedish, b. 1952), Solvatten AB. Manufactured by Mälarplast AB. Sweden, 2008. ABS plastic, acrylic. Photo: David Wadström

Metal Library hiding the mandatory safe haven gate in every home, with bookcase ladder and asymmetric table made to Andra's Design; Kids school artwork on display

A safe space for the kids.

This chic, reusable cutlery is made from organic, food-safe bamboo and water-based adhesives, and finished with premium natural oils. Enjoy the perfect picnic in safe, natural style.

This chic, reusable cutlery is made from organic, food-safe bamboo and water-based adhesives, and finished with premium natural oils. Set the perfect picnic table in safe, natural style.

Safe room converted to sauna room

Duchess Mansion, original safe

Good bye, and safe travels.