Sustainable Fire Station Design: Windermere Fire Station No. 31 by gh3* + S2

Windermere Fire Station No. 31, designed by gh3* + S2, is a cutting-edge fire station located in Edmonton, Canada. Completed in 2023, this 1532 m² facility showcases a blend of practical functionality and sustainable architecture, setting new standards for civic buildings.

The Design Challenge

Creating a fire station that is both expressive and sustainable was a key challenge for the architects. The City of Edmonton required a design that could meet strict environmental performance criteria, including generating 100% of its energy needs on-site and achieving 40% better energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline using NECB 2011 standards.

Sustainable Features

Renewable Energy

The fire station's gently curving, south-facing roof is equipped with an extensive array of photovoltaic panels, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. These panels generate enough renewable energy to meet the building's total energy needs.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

A geothermal heating and cooling system is incorporated to enhance energy efficiency further. This system, along with the building's well-insulated structure and high-performance windows and doors, significantly reduces energy consumption.

Environmental Performance

Orientation and Lighting

The building’s southern orientation maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy demand. The apparatus bay, painted white, increases interior daylight levels, promoting a healthy working environment.

Bi-Folding Doors

To minimize heat loss, the facility uses bi-folding and quick-closing apparatus bay doors. These innovative doors help maintain a stable indoor temperature, enhancing overall energy efficiency.

Interior Design and Functionality

The unified mass of the fire station houses two main programmatic elements: the apparatus bay for trucks and equipment, and domestic and sleeping spaces for firefighters. The domestic area features a corridor circuit design, with change rooms and a fitness center in the middle, and sleeping areas, a kitchen, lounge, and offices around the perimeter.

Landscape Design

The landscape design integrates a bioswale stormwater management system that blends seamlessly with the site's functional demands. This system manages stormwater efficiently while complementing the aesthetic appeal of the staff and visitor parking areas, fire truck entry and exit aprons, and other landscaped spaces.

Windermere Fire Station No. 31 exemplifies how modern fire stations can combine practical functionality with sustainable design. By meeting stringent environmental performance criteria and incorporating advanced renewable energy systems, gh3* + S2 have created a fire station that not only serves its community but also stands as a model for sustainable civic architecture.

All photographs are work of Raymond Chow