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BRW ARCHITECTS | FIRE

Fire Rescue Facilities

Contents 01

BRW

02 03 04 05

Community Stations

Fire Training

Cancer Aware Design

Comradery-Building Kitchens

Healthy Fitness Rooms

Sleep Deprivation-Aware Sleeping Quarters

Watch Rooms

Storm Shelters

Community Responsive Architectural Diversity

Security

Renovations & Additions Central Fire Stations & Fire Administration Emergency Operations Centers

01 BRW Architects’ team of fire rescue facility specialists are dedicated to designing projects that positively impact our clients and their communities. Our fire station design process stems from over +35 years of history and experience.

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Community Stations

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Community Stations Since 1984, BRW has been an architectural firm FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS: value-conscious design that respects fire industry traditions, incorporates 21st-century best practices for fire rescue operations and occupational health, supports comraderybuilding and builds community pride. BRW Architects specializes in occupant-centric workspaces in energy efficient buildings that embrace the natural environment and surrounding neighborhoods so that the facility can truly serve as a community asset and vital enhancement. Our knowledge of how public safety facilities should function, perform and endure the test of time is unmatched in the architectural industry. BRW’s portfolio of well executed & award-winning projects speaks volumes about our understanding of how to create quality facilities through design, documentation, and construction with a focus on client collaboration.

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Renovations & Additions

Benbrook Fire Station No. 1 Renovation

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

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Renovations & Additions A Renovation | Expansion project starts the same way as new construction - with programming & translating operational needs into spaces. An additional consideration is the existing building’s ability to support a renovation and/or building addition. BRW first evaluates with a thorough Building Condition Survey to identify project scope and develop separate budgets for building condition improvements versus operational improvements. This information is essential to assist the client in program decision making. Operational space needs must then be compared to the size and shape of existing spaces through a Space-Use Analysis. Difficulties often occur when the inability to relocate load-bearing structural walls limits flexibility of a floorplan. For instance, older apparatus bays are commonly too short, but are difficult to expand due to concrete block walls. Restrooms and plumbing are also costly to renovate for compliance with accessibility requirements. BRW has years of experience turning these obstacles into opportunities and finding solutions that meet the client’s needs. Once the programming, building condition survey and space-use analysis are complete, we help the Owner prioritize and balance the building condition and operational improvements into a program. An early design goal should be to establish a base line of allowable project scope within the budget.

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Central Fire Stations & Fire Administration

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Central Fire Stations & Fire Administration The key focus when designing Fire Administration offices is that they must accommodate both Command and Administration staff. BRW is familiar with all levels of design considerations that go into an operational fire headquarters. A secure public lobby needs to screen visitors when entering and can have amenities such as public restrooms, department displays or artifacts. The Fire Marshal’s interface with the public regarding building permit plan reviews and facilities for fire investigations is formative in the layout of the space. The Fire Marshal functions may require secure storage for drawings (whether paper or digital), fire-arm storage, and evidence, as well as meeting space or interview rooms. Communication and video systems are necessary not only for the fire station but are also important in the administration offices to monitor daily operations and special events. If the administration offices are located adjacent to the fire station, design considerations include the connection between these two functions and whether a common lobby can accommodate both daytime administration visitors and day/night station visitors possibly needing EMS services.

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LOCATION City of Richardson, TX SIZE 32,360 SF COMPLETION October 2019 AWARDS 2020 Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards GOLD 2020 F.I.E.R.O. Honor Award GOLD

Over the past decades, BRW has developed a quality driven comprehensive design approach through many “lessons learned” on over 200 fire projects throughout Texas and California. And while we are eager to share our experiences, we always start by embracing YOUR VISION.

Emergency Operations Centers

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Emergency Operations Centers Emergency Operation Centers come in all shapes and sizes, but regardless must enable a continuity of vital municipal services and communication in the event of an emergency. The shell must be hardened to protect power, communications and the tenants. A built-in flexible use of space is a priority and can include murphy beds in a conference room, or stow-away EOC work station cabinets in a Training classroom. BRW will help identify the best way to integrate your EOC priorities based on your municipality’s individual needs.

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Fire Training

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Fire Training BRW Architects understands the constant training all firefighters engage in. The facilities needed can be highly specialized with components that range from large classrooms with moveable partitions (that often double for community use or an EOC) to custom live fire burn structures and gas fired flashover simulators. Our team has the expertise to provide the training structures needed - whether pre-engineered metal clad or cast-in-place concrete and located at a specialized Training Center or integrated into a community station. Important Training Site considerations we address: • Design for future and current needs • Design for flexibility in fire training scenarios • Use of foam or latent foam in truck lines • Prevailing winds • Topography • Storm Water Management • Water Retention/Detention • Agency Planning and Development restrictions • Circulation and Roadway design • Security and vandalism • Shared vs. segregated use with police

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Cancer Aware Design

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Cancer Aware Apparatus Bays & Support Spaces NFPA and Code Compliance BRW Architects thoroughly reviews and integrates both NFPA, building code, and zoning ordinance requirements into all our fire station designs. We understand our client’s business in order to design spaces that best support their priorities and standard operating procedures, including the importance of fighting cancer through incorporating Transition Zones.

Apparatus Exhaust Regardless of whether or not your apparatus is equipped with a “no smoke system”, we believe it is our job to help protect fire fighters by further reducing the station’s exposure to diesel exhaust. There are a number of vehicle exhaust removal systems designed to help reduce exhaust within the bay itself, from air scrubbers to direct-source capture systems. However, these systems only work if the staff remains diligent in replacing filters or attaching the system to the trucks. BRW’s decades in the fire industry has taught us that the best solution is a hands free one, so we also integrate the code required exhaust system into your alerting system. Three minutes after the alerting system receives emergency tones, exhaust fans kick on. These fans completely extract and replenish all of the air in the bay within seven minutes of being turned on. Additionally, there is a gas monitoring system that will also turn the system on when it detects contaminate levels to be too high. Each of our stations is also designed to have pressurized air-locks between the apparatus and living side of the station. Each door into the air-lock is equipped with an automatic closure to ensure each door fully closes to help prevent contaminated air entering the living quarters.

Contaminates From Fighting A Fire Another leading cause of cancer in firefighters is lingering toxins that cling to their skin and gear during a fire. The first step in reducing this to have each crew try to remove as much soot as possible before ever leaving the scene. The less that gets back in the truck, the less that gets brought to the station. Architecturally, we help facilitate keeping as many contaminates as possible out of the living quarters of the station by providing you with a few key support spaces immediately adjacent to the bay. First, we recommend a dedicated turn out gear room connected to the bay. If contaminated gear is brought back to the station, an extractor room (adjacent to the turn out gear)should be fitted with an extractor/washer and dryer so that all contaminated gear can be cleaned right on-site. Ventilation with direct outside air is recommended by NFPA to facilitate the drying of damp gear and to prevent cross-contamination of carcinogens from the apparatus bay. Both support rooms should have water resistant finishes and floor drains so that the areas can be easily cleaned. Second, it is also important that the apparatus gets a thorough wash down and decontamination including its interior. We assist with this by including 40’ linear trench drains in each of the apparatus bays that tie into a sand-oil interceptor. We install 3/4” hose bibs inside the apparatus bays to assist with easy wash down of each truck, while ensuring that all finishes in the bays are water resistant. Third, the best way to remove all possible contaminates is to shower immediately upon arriving back at the station. Having a locker room, or decontamination room with shower directly off the bay, allows firefighters to decontaminate before entering the rest of the station. Contaminated gear or clothing should never enter the living portion of the station, nor should it ever be taken home by personnel.

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BRW Architects’ fire rescue projects are designed to maximize value to you with durability & efficiency, while fulfilling your architectural aspirations.

LOCATION Town of Westlake, TX SIZE 17,830 SF COMPLETION 2019 AWARDS 2019 Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards Career 1 BRONZE 2019 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Recognition Award

Comradery-Building Kitchens

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Comradery-Building Kitchens BRW understands the true heart of every station is the kitchen. More socializing occurs while preparing and eating meals than in any other area - a kitchen island encourages this activity. By creating a welcoming kitchen with natural daylight, plenty of refrigerators for fresh food, large stoves so multiple people can cook and an open atmosphere to the rest of the station, we can enable your staff to cook together, hang out together, and hold one another accountable while they cook and eat. This allows the shift to relax and decompress together while still being slightly active. This togetherness has proven to be the best way to fight the anxiety and depression that firefighters have an increased risk of suffering. Unfortunately, suicide is a growing national problem that has touched many fire departments. Studies show that meaningful social interaction is the single most powerful preventative measure.

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BRW Architects is dedicated to innovation in architecture. We believe in constantly evaluating, questioning and discovering to achieve superior, on-target solutions.

LOCATION City of Houston, TX SIZE 14,000 SF COMPLETION 2014 AWARDS LEED Silver 2016 AGC Houston Apex GOLD Award 2015 F.I.E.R.O. Merit Award 2015 Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards GOLD

Healthy Fitness Rooms

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Healthy Fitness Rooms Programming a comfortably sized and inviting weight room encourages the staff to be healthy. The weight room shouldn’t be tucked into a crowded and tight closet-like room. Providing an enjoyable space for staff to exercise together with ample space for not only machines, but also open area for group workouts, cross fit type exercises, or fitness videos, we further encourage camaraderie while helping to improve health. BRW also aims to provide exterior views and space for exterior group exercise when site and program allow. This connection to natural daylight and natural views helps with the relaxing effects exercise can often provide to stressed individuals. It adds to the enjoyable atmosphere of the space and encourages it’s frequent use.

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Sleep Deprivation-Aware Sleeping Quarters

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Sleep Deprivation-Aware Sleeping Quarters For firefighters, the leading cause of death over fighting fires is heart disease. (NE Journal of Medicine, March 22, 2007) Deep sleep is needed for cardiac repair. Averaging less than 6 hours of sleep a night for 6 days is equivalent to one pack of cigarette a day. (Kerry Kuehl, MD, Dr. PH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University) Sleep Deprivation Leads to: • Drowsy driving • Increased cancer • Increased type 2 diabetes • Increased heart disease • Increased obesity • Increased depression and anxiety Noise is a concern for sleeping during daylight hours. Ideally, the bedrooms should be isolated or surrounded by non-occupied rooms. The Physical Training room should be remote from the sleeping areas because of audio and equipment noise. Additional acoustic related design considerations include: • Construction assemblies for STC levels • Balance with budget • Sound deadening for multiple TV monitors • Alerting / intercom speakers: audial acuity • Equipment noise High light levels also impact the ability to get back to sleep and can be physically jarring upon first waking. Consider providing low level or red-colored lights in the sleeping rooms and corridors to apparatus bays during an alarm, in lieu of normal lighting. Or consider a separate LED egress lighting system, in lieu of dimming the building lighting devices. BRW is also aware of the emerging trend towards alerting system controls that can also be implemented to alert only the rooms of staff who are needed for certain calls. This cuts down on interrupted sleep and enables deeper sleep for staff overall. This practice reduces stress, high blood pressure and anxiety. The infrastructure has been designed into several of our recent stations for future implementation when applicable for each municipality. As the technology to improve heart and mental health grows, so should a station’s operations and BRW aims to provide these opportunities in every design.

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Watch Rooms

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Watch Rooms The Watch area is an important design element. It serves as the central “office” for the station with report writing and radio communication functions and it should have visibility of the Apparatus Bay and driveway activities. It often serves as a gathering point for staff throughout the day. Some departments study here, some even sleep here. BRW will design your Watch area around your unique department.

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BRW Architects recognizes that the value of our services is determined by our satisfied clients. We continue to embrace teamwork in all aspects of the design and construction process. Emphasizing collaboration between BRW, clients, and contractors as a project delivery method ensures we provide quality and satisfaction.

LOCATION City of San Marcos, TX SIZE 11,182 SF COMPLETION 2019 AWARDS 2019 Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards Satellite Notable Award

Storm Shelters

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Storm Shelters The 2015 IBC references the ICC 500-2014 storm shelter requirements applicable to new buildings and additions, requiring buildings with certain functions and geographic locations to be built with an ICC 500 compliant storm shelter. The 2018 IBC continues with this requirement. This includes all Risk Category IV structures: 911 call stations, EOCs, fire, rescue, and ambulance stations, and police stations. BRW Architects has collaborated closely with local municipalities and clients interpreting newly adopted storm shelter requirements. We have designed a variety of shelter sizes, from small shelters accommodating a single fire house shift, to large shelters accommodating the occupants of an entire police administration building. The following design components are typically included for storm shelters (requirements vary depending on whether shelter design is for tornado or hurricane protection): •

2-hour fire separation

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Signage identifying space as a storm shelter

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Wall and roof openings comply with missile impact testing requirements

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Structural enclosure passes high wind (tornado or hurricane) missile impact testing requirements and wind speeds up to 250 mph, including reinforced concrete slab, concrete composite roof deck, structural steel, supported by 12” fully grouted concrete masonry unit walls, or reinforced cast-in-place concrete walls.

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MEP penetrations with flying debris impact protection system

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1 toilet / lavatory per 500 people

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Automatic shut-off of gas lines

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Protected water source

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Emergency lighting and power for critical systems for minimum two-hour period

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Dedicated ventilation system: Ventilate 1 SF / 1000 SF of floor area

The ICC 500 requires an independent peer review for first responder shelters prior to building permit release. A contract with a third party should be procured separately to review and provide a sealed report stating the items reviewed and their compliance with ICC-500 due and received at time of building permit application. Special inspections are also required throughout the construction.

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Community Responsive Architectural Diversity

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Community Responsive Architectural Diversity The exterior building design should respond to the character of the neighborhood. BRW embraces the idea of site-specific design working within the surrounding context. And while the public may not visit a fire station often, the public is always welcome so the building entry must have a clear identity. The building must represent the values of the population, with a design that serves as a reminder of the prosperity and goodwill of the community.

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Services Provided • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Architecture Space Programming Site Master Planning | Analysis Building Design Construction Documentation Interior Design Lighting Design Landscape Architecture Construction Administration Renovations | Additions Building Information Modeling (BIM) Sustainable Design (LEED) Needs Assessment Feasibility Study Cost Evaluation Code Analysis Comprehensive Facility Study Furnishing Selection & Procurement Accessibility (ADA) Study

BRW has received more than 50 awards over the past three decades. To learn more about our public safety projects, clients and awards, please visit:

www.brwarch.com/fire

DALLAS 3535 Travis Street Suite 250 Dallas, TX 75204 214.528.8704

COLLEGE STATION 175 Century Square Drive, Suite 350 College Station, TX 77840 979.694.1791

HOUSTON 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive Suite 250 Houston, TX 77345 281.361.3800

SAN FRANCISCO 1620 Montgomery Street Suite 320 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.749.2670

www.brwarch.com

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