In Quarters: Novato, CA, Fire Protection District Station No. 64
This station received the Career Notable Award in Firehouse's 2016 Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Novato Fire Station 64 is a 7,730-square-foot facility designed to serve the needs of the Novato Fire District and the communities it serves. It replaces a previous fire station that was located on this site for 40 years. The station incorporates design features that represent the best practices of the fire service and the fire district’s guiding principles. The existing site is a long, narrow, truncated shape, posing challenges related to the ladder truck circulation, a prime factor in the design.
Located in a transitional area between a multi-family residential neighborhood and a commercial district, the building was designed to integrate with the surrounding community through careful site layout, building massing and materials. The station supports a crew of six firefighters operating an aerial ladder truck and an ALS ambulance. The building location, access and orientation are exceptionally functional for the operations of the crew. The building layout provides quick access to the emergency vehicles for reduced turnout times. The building’s design incorporates current IT technology while positioning the district to easily meet future needs.
The building’s energy-saving design incorporates a photovoltaic system, the use of natural daylight, thermal insulation and energy-efficient electrical, mechanical and lighting systems. Drought- and fire-resistant landscaping are utilized throughout the property. The fire district is currently applying for LEED Platinum certification. The building meets all ADA, State Building Code and Essential Services Facilities Act requirements, and creates a physical environment that encourages use by persons of all physical and mental abilities without compromising station functionality.
The new Station 64 will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the Novato Fire District to continue to serve its communities with professionalism, pride and efficiency, while reducing our carbon footprint and economic impact.
Architect: GLASS ARCHITECTS
