This facility received the Career 1 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
From the very beginning of the design of the new fire and EMS station, the design team had to navigate several concerns from the surrounding community, county and other project stakeholders. There were concerns regarding the aesthetic of the station complementing the surrounding development; coordination with adjacent road projects; controlling noise for the nearby homes; and, of course, aligning the county budget with the required quality and durability of a long-term building and the fire department’s functional needs.
Issues that are unique to fire station design—i.e., separation of contaminated areas and areas that have vehicle exhaust from the living quarters, providing quick access to the apparatus bay from all areas of the station, sound separation of the living quarters, and addressing gender-separation requirements with flexibility for an ever-changing workforce—were considered early in the design process. In addition, traffic control, integration of the station-alerting system and “critical facility” requirements, such as a backup generator, had to be well thought out and coordinated.
The new fire/EMS station provides nearly 16,000 sq. ft. of living, sleeping and fitness areas along with office spaces, secure EMS storage areas and three drive-through apparatus bays to house primary and reserve apparatus.
On the site, the grading and access drives presented unique challenges that were mitigated through the design. Apparatus movements were investigated thoroughly and care was taken to prevent conflicts between the public and firefighters who are responding to a call.
The building exterior was designed to complement the craftsman style of the surrounding neighborhoods, with carefully selected, quality materials that are intended to last the life of the building.
Architect/Firm Name: StewartCooper-Newell & GuernseyTingle
