“A modern interpretation of an institutional service facility”

Site, context, presence

The design brief called for a 2-bay, 4-appliance station with associated operational and accommodation facilities. Situated in a predominantly industrial context, the elongated site was a major form determinant in the layout design. A degree of community integration, and a non-institutional appearance were also expressed design objectives.

Relationship between concept, form, structure

The activities housed within the building (appliances, operations, and accommodation) are expressed in 3 clear and distinct forms: the large volume appliance parking with operations adjacent, and accommodation situated above in order to afford views and sun, as well as to provide some aural separation from the street. A recessed frontage to the appliance bays gives relative prominence to the remaining forms.

Light, colour, texture, space

In keeping with the client’s low maintenance regime, cladding materials comprise concrete tilt panel, honed concrete block, and interlocking zinc sheet. A cedar screen to the accommodation front adds to the otherwise industrial mixture of materials. Roof glazing to the accommodation, and glass doors to the offices, assist in bringing natural daylight into the building interior.

Environmental

Apart from orientation for solar access to the occupied areas, the building design incorporates a number of environmental features including: energy efficient lighting with occupancy and photometric sensors, passive ventilation, thermal storage panels, grey water collection and recycling, solar hot water heating, and potable water storage.

User satisfaction

The building has been well received by the brigade and volunteer staff; and was a gold medal and category winner in the 2009 Master Builders RMB Commercial Projects Awards.

Contribution/spirit

With its clearly defined activity enclosures, the design provides a functional facility that is well integrated into its industrial context as well as the modern commercial/residential architectural idiom.