Fire Station Design

FIRE STATION DESIGN INNOVATIVE IDEAS | EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN | UNMATCHED CLIENT SERVICE

Our mission is to build on our reputation for excellence by becoming a preferred architectural/engineering and construction services firm. We focus on meeting and exceeding our clients’ special expectations and strive to be known for our expertise, integrity, and contributions to the people and communities we serve.

FIRE STATION DESIGN SERVICES

Great fire stations begin with the completed project in mind.

Successful fire station design solutions evolve from close collaborations and a creative project team working together every step of the way. For more than 100 years, DLZ has

• Life-cycle cost analysis • Architecture

done just that: growing to a national firm specializing in

• Interior design

providing architectural and engineering design services

• Structural engineering

for fire station facilities. At DLZ we recognize that fire stations represent the communities in which it resides, and

• Mechanical engineering

our designs reflect the essence of each community. Our

• Plumbing/fire protection

firm’s in-depth expertise in fire station design focuses on a

• Electrical engineering

wholistic approach that addresses the needs of the entire project that is perfectly suited to the people who use it and the community it serves.

Our professional services include: • Program management • Needs assessments • Feasibility studies • Building security assessments • Building programming • Strategic planning

• Landscape architecture • Civil engineering • Construction administration • Security and operations systems engineering • Staffing analysis/projections • Bond issue and financing assistance • Sustainable design • Value engineering • District and station location analysis

FIRE STATION DESIGN SERVICES

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COMPONENTS

We are experts at providing solutions to your engineering, architectural, and construction services needs. We are know for our competence, integrity, and contributions to the people and communities we serve.

DLZ’s multidisciplinary staff has the resources to design fire

ADMINISTRATION OFFICES

station facilities that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but

The office areas in a fire station needs to be functional and

are also functional, secure, and cost-efficient to operate.

well-designed for staff to perform their day-to-day duties

DLZ has established long-term personal relationships

and responsibilities. These areas can include public service

with the communities we serve, understanding that these

counters, workstations, dispatch, and offices.

facilities help define a community and embody its spirit and values. Whether your fire station project involves a

LIVING QUARTERS

new building, addition, complex renovation, or historic

Many fire stations are occupied 24 hours a day, seven days a

restoration, DLZ will provide the very best in client service,

week. Therefore, ensuring a comfortable living environment

knowledge, and design.

is critical as well as designing these areas to ensure

Functional and well-designed spaces to support the critical work at fire stations is essential for the operational needs of the staff, which include administration offices, living quarters, training/community rooms, apparatus bays, maintenance, and support services.

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COMPONENTS

response times are met. DLZ is careful to consider these needs for those facilities that require sleeping quarters, quiet rooms, indoor recreation, kitchens, wellness spaces, laundry room, gender-neutral bathrooms, showers, and possible additional recreation spaces such as an outdoor patio and game room.

TRAINING/COMMUNITY ROOMS More and more fire stations are being designed to provide classroom-style training rooms to be used not only by the firefighters but also used by the community in which it is located for educational and outreach programs. These can include meeting and training rooms, conference space as well testing facilities for firefighters’ continuing education.

APPARATUS BAYS The apparatus zone is the most critical area for the functional operation of the firehouse. Easy and direct access to the Apparatus Bay is imperative. Design considerations include single bay versus drive thru bays, overhead clearances , system coordination, ventilation and exhaust system, and ample clearances around each vehicle.

The arrangement of the vehicles and first line of responses directly impacts the apparatus bays.

Beyond firefighting and emergency response vehicle, support and storage spaces, and dedicated decontamination zones must be equally considered.

Functional and operational needs of the support functions include proper design of cleaning and maintenance areas for firefighter’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), turn-out gear, decontamination, laundry/extractors, and other equipment as well as storage for hoses, equipment, and emergency response equipment.

The incorporate of drains within the apparatus bays with oil and sand separator equipment that can be easily maintained it critical. located immediately off the apparatus floor area to contain

MITIGATE RISK AND EXPOSURE TO CARCINOGENS

potential exposure to the living spaces.

There are many aspects to firehouse design and fie operations, however the topic of cancer and potential to

Ventilation system are selected with careful attention to

mitigate risk and exposure to carcinogens is at the forefront

fresh air and exhaust air levels. Direct capture ventilation

of today’s discussions.

systems utilized for the vehicle exhaust systems within the apparatus bays; properly ventilated gear lockers and

According to the International Association of Firefighters,

storage areas are designed; positive building pressure

61 percent of firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to

within the living areas is established to reduce air infiltration

2016 were cancer related. Research suggests significant

from the ‘hot zones. These measures reduce the potential

evidence supporting the relationship between firefighting

air-borne contaminants.

and cancer.

One of the more recent amenities within firehouses are DLZ’s architects and engineers incorporate a variety of

firefighter saunas. Studies have shown sweating is 10 times

design components to reduce potential cancer risk to the

more effective of removing toxins than natural methods.

firefighters within the station. Firehouse configurations and

As a result, the use of saunas has become more common

spatial adjacencies not only meet the functional operational

within today’s firehouses. When utilized with low cardio

needs but also establish ‘hot zones’ which are separated

activities, toxins, including heavy metals and lead, which

from firefighter living zones. Decontamination areas, gear

enter the firefighters blood stream during fire calls, are

washing and drying zones and gear storage areas are

flushed and removed.

COMPONENTS

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Fire station design must first and foremost address the

less maintenance, repair/replacement and service to the

functional operational needs for the department. Clear and

doors. Additionally, the operating speed saves precious

direct circulation routes to the apparatus bays, clear line of

seconds in response time. The bi-fold doors also increase

sight from the apparatus to the comfortable and convenient

door opening speed, which translates into quicker response

living quarters for the firefighters are critical in fire stations.

time to incident calls.

A well-designed station can reduce mobilization time before equipment can roll. Equally important is technology,

SITE DEVELOPMENT

as it best informs the first response initiative and its impact

DLZ’s experience includes storm water mitigation. The

to the stations operations.

use of rain gardens helps to reduce surface run-off and the need for collection discharge systems which in turn

BUILDING SYSTEMS

reduces long term costs for the community. In addition, the

Technological advance in building systems allow stations to

installation of pervious pavement assists with storm water

be energy efficient and reduce long-term maintenance and

absorption without taxing the storm utility.

operation costs. The ability to incorporate high performance insulated exterior wall and roof system drastically reduce

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

the energy consumption required for the station.

DLZ’s mechanical engineers have designed HVAC, piped

Another example is the use of bi-fold doors in lieu of the tradition overhead doors within the apparatus bay. The initial higher material cost can be outweighed by the expected long term cost savings which is realized through

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

gas systems, and plumbing systems which respond to the specific needs of each project, while resulting in optimized energy conserving techniques and practices. These include utilizing hot water condensing boilers which incorporate a heat exchanger to provide domestic hot water, high-

efficient HVAC units and heat recovery units reduce energy

SECURITY

consumption and conserve resources. In addition, the

The installation of door control access security cameras and

use of direct digital controls and programming features

close-circuit television (CCTV) is essential in station design.

that incorporate an economizer mode of operation is

However, rather than relying on additional hardware and

commonplace in DLZ’s designs.

infrastructure, DLZ explores the opportunities to provide clear and open lines of sight and visual control and the

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

principals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental

Similarly, DLZ electrical engineers explore and employ

Design (CPTED).

power, lighting, daylighting, and control system designs which reduce overall operating and construction costs of buildings, while creating enhanced value and assets for the building and its occupants. Potential sources for sustainable design include: • Daylight harvesting light fixtures and controls • Energy saving LED and light fixtures • Energy efficient mechanical equipment with variable speed motors • Digital controls for HVAC systems.

• Site lighting that complies with EPA “Dark Sky” requirements

RECEPTACLES AND DEVICES The incorporation of receptacles and devices for power and data system and connectivity is necessary in all stations.

Training rooms include wall-mounted flat screen monitors and ‘smart boards’ have replaced the more traditional overhead projectors and pull-down screens.

Convenience receptacles with USB ports and charging stations are strategically placed to improve overall operation and convenience for the firefighters. The inclusion of USB charging stations within the day room and kitchen/ dining area is just one inexpensive provision which can have a positive and direct impact and improve the firefighter’s environment within the station.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Dedicated information technology (IT) rooms are a necessity; ones which provide a clean dust-free environment and are well cooled and ventilated. Sufficient clearance adjacent to the IT cabinets allow for services and access. In addition, an appropriate grounding system must be provided. The installation of voice-over-internet datatelephone-cable is commonplace with today’s well designed stations. The result is less conduit and cabling required, as well as future flexibility for burgeoning technology to serve these functions as separate independent system.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

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DESIGN STAGES

COMMUNICATION DLZ’s design approach is rooted in open communication

360 PANORAMIC DURING CONCEPTUAL DESIGN Simply view the barcode through your phone camera and accept connection.

and collaboration. The city staff and other stakeholders will be an instrumental force within the project team.

The project begins with team-building and consensus

DESIGN WORKSHOPS

workshops. These workshops include brainstorming

The results of our award-winning designs are generated

sessions, interviews and surveys, tours of your facility and

in part from the creative process initiated with key

other similar facilities in the region, and the sharing of

project stakeholders through ongoing collaboration,

our design experience and expertise. This allows for open

communication, and design workshops. These series of

discussions and the exploration of multiple design solutions.

interactive workshops go beyond statistics and written

As the project continues along the logical, systematic, and

briefs to thorough discussions and demonstrations with

linear direction, the project is strengthened through the

key stakeholders. We approach them with our team’s vast

relationship that has been developed.

experience and knowledge from past projects yet seeing what is new, original, and needed for your particular project.

RESULTS During the schematic design phase, the design direction focuses on developing your design concept. This design addresses your project’s goals and results in the excitement and ownership of the design by all parties involved in the process. This creates a tremendous positive sense of pride that directly impacts the staff’s and community’s view and will provide support to the project. The final resolution not only creates a new fire station facility, but also will positively impact the overall investment in the community.

These workshops have many potential benefits including greater sense of participation, face-to-face contact between designer and users, and rapid feedback of new ideas. Communication is established so spaces may be programmed, options explored, requirements discussed, and objectives established. This fosters an environment where consensus for facility design is quickly established.

The design workshop approach is the cornerstone of our team’s professional services. It will allow for the individuality of the ideas and needs of the city’s fire station to be

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DESIGN STAGES

transformed into functional design solution choices, and eventually the final one. We have found this approach to be successful as it allows us to listen closely to each client and respond in a clear, concise, cohesive manner to their unique requirements. We have used stakeholder small group meetings, public town hall meetings, and “coffee talks� to solicit and garner feedback about individual components over facility design.

Comments and questions are folded into our design process with the involvement and approval of the projects official steering committee. Input from city representatives also builds excitement and confirms a program and project scope of work to support our design workshops and to better understand current and future needs of your fire operation. Through this extensive experience we have gained a full understanding of the program, design, and construction of fire station facilities that we will apply to your project.

OPERATIONS AND FIRE STAFF One of the most important stakeholders is that of the operations and fire staff. A successful facility is defined by its ability to be successfully operated year-in and year-out, not just on opening day. This can only be accomplished by understanding the experience and capabilities of this staff and the commitment to design and building a building with their needs in mind. DLZ explores short and long term operational and maintenance costs of the anticipated facility.

a little deeper in their thinking about how the building will ultimately operate. This often leads to building design changes, beyond the subject systems, that result in a better project for all. This often leads to various building design changes, beyond the subject systems, that result in a better project for all.

TOURS OF SIMILAR FACILITIES The DLZ team encourages cities fire key personnel to tour similar fire stations to help form design solutions by experiencing a variety of spaces and environments, and explore alternative opportunities. The tours also aid the design process in identifying and avoiding shortcomings, while strengthening and improving upon the positive elements within the design solution.

We have found this approach further defines the design for the referenced systems, and assist the city to drill down

DESIGN STAGES

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SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

DLZ employs LEED trained and accredited professionals and supports the goals of sustainable design. Our approach is holistic and involves a number of issues including site considerations, building materials, energy efficient mechanical systems, and life-cycle maintenance costs.

The LEED program established through the United States Green Building Council goes beyond the inception of the LEED rating system in 1995. DLZ has been incorporating the basic principles and goals of sustainable architecture into our daily practice for the past 25 years. DLZ and the LEED program concentrates on two primary aspects of sustainability: the design approach and the selection and integration of materials and systems into the overall project design.

In addition, the use of direct digital controls and

DLZ’s approach to sustainable design is integrated rather

programming features that incorporates an economizer

than an additive process. DLZ’s architects and landscape

mode of operation is commonplace in DLZ’s designs.

architects work in conjunction with structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to explore alternatives to provide the most appropriate solution. One example of this teamapproach involved the South Bend Police Department Headquarters and Training Facility in Indiana. Exterior windows and roof overhangs were located to maximize daylighting, even within the core of the footprint, which impacted the selection of light fixtures and minimized mechanical loads. Similarly, DLZ incorporates light monitors

As a result of DLZ’s integrated approach to sustainable design and its commitment to the LEED program, the overall operating and construction costs of buildings are reduced, while creating enhanced value and assets for the building and its occupants. Other areas and potential sources for sustainable design that can be explored include: • Energy saving ballasts in lighting fixtures.

and flexible lamping of fluorescent fixtures to maximize

• Energy saving LED and fluorescent fixtures.

daylight and reduce energy consumption. Each of these

• Recycled content in carpeting.

projects creates a healthy work environment with reduced energy usage.

Through DLZ’s commitment to sustainable design, a conscience effort has also been made to select materials with limited environmental impact that promote healthy work environments and have very low life-cycle costs. Many of our projects utilize concrete and steel products produced locally, masonry with recycled content, and low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and carpets.

In addition to material selection, DLZ has designed mechanical systems to reduce energy consumption and

• Low VOC paint and coating products.

• Energy efficient mechanical equipment • Digital controls for HVAC systems.

• Compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Standards for site storm water retention.

• Site lighting that complies with EPA “Dark Sky” requirements for control of light pollution.

• Building materials such as steel, concrete, masonry,

conserve resources. DLZ was involved in the design of the

wood, glass, etc. that are recyclable and contain recycled

Elkhart County Correctional Complex in Indiana, which

content.

utilizes methane gas from an adjacent landfill to supplement the natural gas system. At Beiger Elementary School in Indiana the hot water condensing boilers incorporated a heat exchanger to provide domestic hot water.

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SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

• White PVC or TPO roofing membranes to reflect heat.

• Low “E” glazing and/or tinted windows including insulated glass.

FIRE STATION NO.2

Columbus, Ohio

FIRE STATION &

Service Department

Newburgh, Ohio

FIRE STATION NO.3

Portage, Indiana

FIRE STATION NO. 30 Topeka, Indiana

QUALITY OF WORK The following are written remarks from clients on their personal experiences regarding the DLZ team’s ability to control costs, meet schedules, and deliver high-quality projects Trevor K. Elkins, Mayor, Village of Newburgh Heights, Ohio “We could not be more pleased with their performance....their team is one of the most professional organizations I’ve had the pleasure of working with”

Thomas Fieffer, Fire Chief, Portage Fire Department, Portage, Indiana “The fire department and all our members that worked with (DLZ) on the project are extremely happy with the time and dedication in transforming our thoughts and ideas into a functioning building. When people work together to make ideas a reality, then we all win. Once again I want to thank Stephen and the entire DLZ crew for your professionalism and dedication to the City of Portage.”

Luther Taylor Sr., Fire Chief (retired), South Bend Fire Department, South Bend, Indiana “Throughout the project process, DLZ’s level of service, commitment to the project and design expertise was very much appreciated and valued. During the Programming Phase of the project, DLZ’s experience and expertise was invaluable. Their guidance and leadership allowed a variety of design options to be explored, which allowed us to make informed and justifiable decisions with clear design goals and objectives. DLZ listened to our needs and asked questions in order to fully understand our operations and provide solutions to meet the specific needs of our Training, Administration, and Firefighter operations. Their commitment and guidance continued beyond the design phases into the bidding and construction administration phases.

DLZ’s level-of-service exceeded our expectations. DLZ not only met with the City and Senior-level Fire Department personnel, but also with each firefighter shift, to develop a project that engendered ownership by each stakeholder. Their willingness to react in a prompt and thorough manner to each of our requests was commendable. DLZ’s ability to balance the programmatic and operational needs of our 24/7 facility with the available budget has resulted in a facility that has become a state-wide example of fire station design.”

Eric V. Bowlen, Martinsville Common Council, Martinsville Public Safety Board of Works “DLZ’s commitment to delivering a quality project was commendable. DLZ worked diligently with the City and Contractors to ensure the design and construction met the stringent requirements of the construction drawings and specifications. DLZ listened to our needs and asked questions to ensure the intent was fully understood.”

DLZ OFFICES DLZ is a full-service, multidisciplinary, family- and minority-owned professional consulting firm. Through its offices in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, DLZ has earned a reputation as a leader in the architecture/engineering and construction services industries.

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