For the reconstruction of Fire Station No.1, the Aurora Fire Department requested a traditional red brick station. Located in the original City Park, the Fire Station has a 1950s modern library design by Victor Hornbein. Fitting in with its site, the building is divided into three parts to soften the mass, relate to smaller buildings in the immediate area, and distinguish the different functions within.
The residential component faces the Park on the west side and respects the traditional housing vernacular of the surrounding neighborhood, with a brick façade and dormered shingle roof. A courtyard provides privacy for the users and opens up the building to the park. The central structure houses the 32’ tall apparatus bay, which is arched and gabled with two large wood and glass doors, similar to turn-of-the-century fire stations. The eastern portion acts as a public entrance, meeting area, and display for memorabilia, and provides a transition between the traditional structure and the adjacent library.
The Fire Station is a subtle monument of respect and pride for the department and the public service the firefighters provide.
Area: 11,800sf
Glenwood Springs Fire Station No. 3 is a satellite facility for the Glenwood Springs Fire Department. This station is efficiently organized
around four distinctly separate zones: apparatus bay, public and transitional spaces and staff residences. The layout of these zones allows for controlled circulation and acoustical separation. The public zone includes a community room for public meetings and staff training.
The exterior is designed at a scale that is appropriate to the surrounding residential communities and the architectural mountain environment in which it is built. Extensive use of xeriscaping throughout the site reflects the commitment to appropriate and sustainable design for the semi-arid environment.
Area: 5000sf
This new fire station for the City of Longmont is located in the context of a residential neighborhood. The 13,000 sf facility includes three bays, a fully equipped apparatus room, two laundries, accommodations for six firefighters, and public meeting space with a dedicated entrance.The design makes use of complementary materials and massing on a residential scale. The selection of durable masonry materials and metal roofing will allow this structure to remain a functional, aesthetic part of the community.
Area: 13,000sf
Returning to firehouse design that creates a civic presence and a neighborhood landmark, OZ Architecture designed this new facility to serve 32 firefighters and a district chief. Located in the Stapleton Redevelopment Area, this traditionally-styled station - the city's first in 20 years to feature traditional red-brick firehouse architecture with arches and a 75-foot tower - relates to the contemporary commercial development in the area as well as the residential neighborhood. The 75-foot tower, about twice as high as a traditional firehouse tower, is functional and will be used for rappelling exercises and other firefighter training. Unusual for an urban setting, the station's pull-through design enhances pedestrian safety while decreasing response time. Incorporating state-of-the-art, energy-saving techniques, durable, long lasting, maintenance-free green materials were used throughout the facility. The station includes three bays, a public zone facing North with a meeting room that neighbors can reserve and a private zone surrounding an interior courtyard for natural daylight and privacy.
The new West Metro Fire Station 10 replaces the existing Station that is located a few blocks away. Situated on ten acres in Lakewood, Colorado, OZ worked closely with the West Metro Fire Protection District and Colorado Task Force 1 (CO-TF1), which is the Urban Search and Rescue branch of FEMA, to master plan a cohesive campus for their Fire Operations and Training Center.
Fire Station 10 is one component of a larger complex that includes a driving course, USAR facility, training towers, prop pits and their Fire Training Academy. Fire Station 10 has seven apparatus bays, 14 bunks and space for additional bunks on two floors. The station also houses a District Chief and Safety & Maintenance Officer. The fitness center serves the station crews as well as the adjacent Fire Academy cadets and instructors.
This highly technical station serves as the nexus to centralize West Metro’s many operations and serves as their flagship for the community.
7 Bays, 2 Stories, Area: 10 Acres Site, 22,000sf
Project Manager: Mike Whitley, AIA LEED AP
West Metro Fire Station 4 replaces an existing station on the same site and serves the Green Mountain area of Lakewood. The station houses three apparatus bays, ten bunks and two slide poles. Station 4 is meticulously detailed and places all the occupants directly adjacent to the bays to increase turn-out time. It also incorporates a roof patio to take advantage of the stunning downtown views from the station. Area: 10,500sf, Project Manager: Mike Whitley, AIA LEED AP
West Metro Fire Station 8 replaces an existing station on the adjacent lot. Station 8 is comprised of three bays and ten bunks. The constricted site and challenging grade made Station 8 quite unique but still highly efficient. OZ worked closely with West Metro to establish a character for the fire station that is both historic and modern in its aesthetic. The design is influenced by the retail neighborhood in which the Station is situated. The desire for uniformity of design is achieved while still maintaining contextual suitability and responsible civic design,creating an interesting and vibrant backdrop to the neighborhood.
Area: 10,500sf, Project Manager: Mike Whitley, AIA LEED AP
