Little - Public Safety

RESULTS BEYOND ARCHITECTURE

PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC SAFETY

We are specialists in the design of public safety facilities and continually expand our knowledge of this project type. We tour facilities around the nation to gain first-hand knowledge of successful programmatic and technical features for incorporation into our designs. Many of our project architects have worked in public safety facilities to witness firsthand what works and what does not. Each of our facilities is different, as each community has different needs. We bring not only our expertise, but a willingness to focus on your project’s unique attributes to create an outstanding facility.

ARLINGTON COUNTY FIRE STATION #10

Arlington, Virginia

15,500 sf

Hughes Group Architects provided architecture and MEP engineering services to Hickok Cole Architects, the architect of record, as part of the West Rosslyn area plan development for this three bay drive-thru, three-story station. During the design of Station #10, Hughes Group Architects worked closely with the developer, Penzance, to implement Arlington County Fire Station Design Standards. Station #10 accommodates up to 22 personnel including private sleeping and bathing, office space, fitness, and apparatus support areas. It is also sustainably designed and achieved LEED Gold.

A temporary facility was put in service in February 2018 to provide uninterrupted service to the community once the existing station was razed. Also developed by Penzance, Hughes Group Architects provided recommendations for space and modular components. The temporary station comprises of a steel supported fabric structure for the two apparatus bays, and 2 modular trailers configured into office, day spaces, and 6 private sleeping rooms, per Arlington County Fire Station Design Standards. The temporary facility remained operational until the new Station #10 was ready for firefighters to move into.

KENSINGTON FIRE STATION #25

Silver Spring, Maryland

12,947 SF Renovation / 13,190 SF Addition

This project provides additional office and administrative space, dormitory space, living and dining areas, two new apparatus bays and associated storage areas. Reconfiguration and renovation of the existing interior spaces and replacement of the heating/ventilation systems are also included in the project.

Lack of available land in the first due area necessitated an approach that allowed the station to remain operational throughout construction. Phase one involves construction of two new apparatus bays, outfitted as temporary office, kitchen, dining, and fitness space, with trailers placed on site for dormitory facilities. Phase two includes demolition of the existing residential spaces and construction of the large new training room and battalion chief suites. Personnel moved into the new spaces at the completion of this phase. Phase three involves removing the temporary quarters and returning the new bays to service, removing the trailers, and a full renovation of the existing bays.

The design team achieved LEED Gold by incorporating much of the existing structural system. Station #25 uses 25% less energy than a comparable baseline facility. Water use is reduced by over 45%. Materials used are low VOC, have a high recycled content, and are sourced regionally.

NOKESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT – STATION #5

Nokesville, Virginia

18,233 SF

Nokesville is traditionally a farming community. The agricultural aesthetic of Station #5’s design reflects this origin and allows the mass of the facility to be broken into smaller forms more in keeping with the surrounding structures. The exterior envelope of Station #5 is a composition of brick veneer base, cementitious siding panels, and Low-E glass in aluminum framing. The pitched roof is standing-seam metal. Limited flat roof areas are TPO roofing.

The interior of the new station features a three-lane, drive-thru apparatus bay with support areas on each side. To the east of the bays are the administrative and residential spaces, to the west are the PPE storage and decontamination spaces. This maintains separation between red and green contamination zones. A training tower connected to the mezzanine provides reconfigurable opportunities for practical training.

The apparatus bays feature direct capture exhaust, infrared heating, LED lighting, and large fans for air movement. The bays are long enough to accommodate many different pieces of equipment in different configurations. Trench drains run the length of each bay. The PPE storage rooms are enclosed, with large lockers and dedicated power. Materials are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to clean.

GLENMONT FIRE STATION #18

Silver Spring, Maryland

22,565 SF

Station #18 is a replacement for an outdated facility that was being impacted by a major road reconfiguration in the area. The extensive site was analyzed by the team for possible future improvements including a police station, ball fields, and a community park, leading to the location of the fire station along the southern end of the property. This allowed for response from both sides of the bays, as well as pull through for larger pieces. Designed to align with the residential character of the neighborhood, the station is detailed with siding, stone, and brackets supporting deep eaves. Smaller windows in series and hipped roofs further reduce the overall scale of the station.

Station #18 houses up to 20 staff and includes administrative spaces as well as a large classroom. Spaces are organized along a central corridor, with direct lines into the apparatus bays from the day spaces. PPE is stored in an enclosed room on the side of the apparatus bay opposite the living quarters to further distance potential contaminants from personnel when not in use. The design team was asked to achieve a LEED Silver rating, however careful review of County protocols and coordination with the general contractor allowed the team to achieve LEED Gold.

FAIRFAX CENTER FIRE AND RESCUE STATION #40

Fairfax, Virginia 24,195 SF

Station #40 is the largest and most comprehensive emergency service facility in Fairfax County. It houses Company 40 as well as the Central Hazardous Materials Unit for the County.

Station #40 has five drive-thru bays for its trucks, including an engine, tower truck, advanced life support medical unit, a command vehicle, and two hazardous materials units.

The design for both the structure and the site include unique features which optimize environmental and energy conservation principles consistent with the U.S. Green Building Council. As a result of natural lighting, recycled and non-toxic building materials, reflective roofing materials, a biological retention pond and other sustainable features, the station is 25 to 30 percent more energy efficient.

ARLINGTON FIRE STATION #3

Arlington, Virginia

14,831 SF

Station #3 is sited prominently along Old Dominion Road in the historic Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington. It is a two-story facility with textured brick and responds to the needs of this forward-looking community. Nestled into a steeply sloping site, the building’s design balances the proportions and materials of a civic building with the scale and contextual forms of local homes.

Modeled after older, traditional firehouses, the design has been adjusted to meet contemporary demands. Commonly used living and dining areas are conveniently located directly above the apparatus bays while live-in areas are more removed in the eastern wing.

Station #3 includes a ‘safe haven’ lobby. In cases of physical danger, members of the public can enter the lobby 24/7 and press a panic button, which locks the exterior door and automatically calls Arlington’s Emergency Communications Center.

LANSDOWNE PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

Leesburg, Virginia 13,000 SF

The facility’s design provides a dignified, civic appearance that complements the surrounding residential, office, and retail centers of the Lansdowne area. Stone, siding, and decorative grills build an attractive, exterior palette.

The efficient placement of the bays, bunk rooms, and equipment throughout this facility allow for clear and safe circulation routes. In addition to fire and rescue personnel, the facility includes offices for local sheriff employees.

RICHMOND FIRE STATION #17

Richmond, Virginia

11,522 SF

This three-bay, single-story facility includes a dayroom, kitchen, dining room, offices and bunks for the battalion chief and station officer, bunk rooms, watch room, exercise room, study room, lockers for personal items, and lockers for turn out gear and a cascade (breathing equipment) unit.

As a LEED Silver facility, Station #17 reduces water use by 35% and improve energy efficiency by 24%. Low-emitting building materials, controlled lighting and thermal comfort systems, water efficient landscaping, and recycling and storage areas are all features of the sustainable design.

DULLES SOUTH PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

Chantilly, Virginia 24,560 SF

The Dulles South Public Safety Center is a combined Sheriff’s office and a firerescue station serving the South Riding area of Loudoun County.

The design fulfills the unique operational requirements of each department and the desire for separate entrances and departmental identities. Common functions include a fitness center and community meeting room. A single, economical structure with gable forms and vernacular materials present a unified public service image to the community.

The site plan balances emergency service and public access requirements at a single point of entry. Secure parking for the Sheriff’s Department, training aprons for the Fire-Rescue Department, staff parking, and public parking have all been accommodated. A ‘civic green’ provides clear public access to all functions.

PURCELLVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE STATION

Purcellville, Virginia 23,740 SF

This unique facility allows members of fire and rescue to successfully operate independently while promoting social interaction and camaraderie. The covered porch welcomes volunteers to the shared program areas that join the two wings of this facility. This common area includes a day room, flexible training room, safety center and combined kitchen/dining room.

This facility features a variety of specialized areas including decontamination rooms, quarters for the battalion chief and offices for fire administration. The design of the sleeping and bathroom areas enhance levels of privacy to provide a more comfortable, homelike atmosphere for emergency personnel.

DALE CITY VOLUNTEER STATION #10

Dale City, Virginia

18,395 SF

Station #10 is a two-story brick facility with three drivethru bays. The three front bays are equipped with four-fold doors which open rapidly for faster response times. The response slide, which supplements the traditional fire pole, also contributes to the department’s operational efficiency. The lobby is a display space for the Company #10’s antique engine, historical photos, and memorabilia. The upper floor houses nine bunk rooms, four live-in rooms, exercise room, lockers, and showers. The lower floor houses Station #10’s offices, a conference/training room, kitchen, dining room, and dayroom.

Sustainable features, including a green roof, daylighting and recycled materials, contribute to the station’s LEED Gold status. A 10,000 gallon underground cistern collects rainwater run-off from the roof, which is then used for irrigation. Fire Chief Magazine presented this facility with their Gold Station Award in 2009.

ALEXANDRIA FIRE STATION #204

Alexandria, Virginia

12,000 SF Renovation / 8,000 SF Addition

Hughes Group Architects’ design expands the existing facility which was built in 1960 and housed a fire station company and the City of Alexandria fire administration offices.

The lower level contains the fire station operations, including three apparatus bays, dayroom, dining facilities, station operation offices, and bunk facilities for up to nine people per shift.

The upper level houses the City of Alexandria’s fire administration offices and the city-wide 911 system.

MOOREFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

Ashburn, Virginia

13,000 SF

This facility primarily houses a fire station with a small office area allocated for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. It is the second station in the county to be staffed by career staff twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The 3.6 acre site, located within the Moorefield planned community, was proffered to the County as part of Moorefield Stationa multi-use, high-density housing development. The facility is strategically located to respond quickly to rail emergencies as Metrorail brings the silver line to eastern Loudoun County.

Moorefield Public Safety Center includes three apparatus bays, bunkrooms, kitchen and dining areas, decontamination and laundry facilities, exercise room, an on-site air compressor for breathing apparatus, office workspaces, and a repair shop.

WOLF TRAP FIRE STATION #42

Vienna, Virginia 14,603 SF

Station #42 is a single-story facility that houses four drivethru bays for emergency and fire response to the greater Fairfax County area.

Station #42’s architecture balances a strong civic presence with local contextual forms and materials of surrounding residences. Features such as pitched roofs and covered porch entries reflect the character of the neighborhood, while careful detailing and the methods of assembling such features help develop the unique architectural identity.

The project is LEED Silver. Flooring, carpet, window frames, and other materials are made of 25% or higher of recycled materials. The cabinetry is made from reclaimed straw products, and appliances are high efficiency Energy Star rated.

WHEATON VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD

Wheaton, Maryland

29,000 SF

The Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad has served the Wheaton community and Montgomery County for over 60 years. The facility is a Class 1 Rescue Station that provides services to the public for three types of emergency apparatus: Basic Life Support Ambulances, Advanced Life Support Paramedic Ambulances, and Heavy Rescue Squads. The four drive-thru bays successfully accommodate these varied vehicle types.

The design of the station reflects the community itself. The choice of red brick, white trim, and classic proportions with gable roof lines were used to reinforce the role of the Volunteer Rescue Squad as a cornerstone of the Wheaton community.

The Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad project also features a 7,400 SF social hall to provide space for community events and functions. The social hall also has a fully operational commercial kitchen, as well as a conference room and green room.

REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT ARFF - FIRE STATION #301

Arlington, Virginia

22,820 SF

The original ARFF facility at Reagan National Airport was constructed in 1982 and had grown insufficient for the station’s mission, unable to accommodate the female ARFF/Fire/EMS facilities. It was also not ADA compliant.

Station #301 provides fire fighting vehicle space, storage areas for fire equipment and emergency medical services, special systems, office areas, support areas, and private/ living areas.

The project ultimately provided a significant contribution to safety at DCA by keeping the airport in compliance with certification requirements and providing updated facilities for station building design.

DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARFF - FIRE STATION #304

Dulles, Virginia 16,900 SF

Station #304 is a one-story structure designed to accommodate future equipment and staff to support structural fire and EMS operations both for air and land side responses. At full occupancy, there is twelve staff per shift for both the ARFF and the EMS response functions.

The facility contains a five apparatus bays, a bunk room with fourteen bunks, training area, dining room and kitchen, locker rooms, lounge, gear room, a hose-drying tower and decontamination area.

LITTLE IS DEDICATED TO ENHANCING CLIENT PERFORMANCE BY ORCHESTRATING THE RIGHT MIX OF EXPERTISE, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION TO DESIGN NEW DIMENSIONS OF SUCCESS.

OFFICE LOCATIONS

CHARLOTTE, NC

DURHAM, NC

NEWPORT BEACH, CA

ORLANDO, FL

WASHINGTON, DC

CHARLESTON, SC

COMPANY INFORMATION

415+ 115+* 114

EMPLOYEES LEED & WELL PROJECTS

*CERTIFIED OR PURSUING CERTIFICATION

PRACTICES

COMMUNITY

HIGHER EDUCATION, K-12 SCHOOLS, CIVIC, JUSTICE

HEALTHCARE

LEED & WELL ACCREDITED PROFESSIONALS

ACUTE CARE, SPECIALTY CENTERS, MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDINGS & CLINICS

RETAIL

BRAND EXPERIENCE, SERVICE RETAIL, SUPERMARKETS, STORE DESIGN

WORKPLACE

OFFICE, INTERIORS, MIXED-USE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, STRUCTURAL, LOW VOLTAGE, PLUMBING, CIVIL, CENTER FOR BUILDING PERFORMANCE

SERVICES ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, LAND DEVELOPMENT, REGEN COLAB, ADVANCED BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, VISUAL IMPACT STUDIO, SMART BUILDING STUDIO, BRAND EXPERIENCE STUDIO