The design of this new Fire Station for the City of Iowa City was developed after Rohrbach Associates confirmed a design and feasibility study to see if the current fire station could be adapted for 21st century departmental needs. The new facility will replace the existing Fire Station #2 on site.
The project earned LEED Gold certification and incorporates many sustainable elements including a mechanical system using a ground source heat pump, low flow and waterless plumbing fixtures, as well as the use of natural daylighting to reduce artificial lighting loads.
The facility is designed for future growth including a partial basement for secure storage and accommodations for an EMS unit.
Since the facility sits in a residential area, it is designed to fit into this context. The warm palette of materials includes brick, stone and a metal shed roof. The on-grade portion is divided into two main areas–the apparatus bay accommodating a hazmat vehicle and two pumper trucks and the living area for up to six staff per shift. The full glazed overhead doors not only show the trucks in the facility but also allow light into the apparatus bays. The generous sized living space is oriented toward the open corner of the lot and its curved outer wall softens the presence of the building to a fairly busy street. Private firefighters’ sleeping quarters are located to the back of the building oriented away from the busy intersection.
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