4:34 PM
Design Teacher
Case study by: Linda (Sellers) Tuggle
Fire Station No. 8 is a new permanent fire station that
replaced an existing temporary station in the Orange Park area of the City of
Orange, completed in March, 2008 at a total cost estimate of $2,847,000.00.
My reason for choosing this building as the subject of my
case study is personal; when I met my husband in 2008, he was a Fire Captain
assigned to this beautiful, modern station and I was very impressed with the
design choices. The exterior façade of stucco and stacked stone along with the
tile roof are appropriately fire resistant.
Although after repeated attempts by phone and email, I was
unable to contact Nicoloff and Assoc., I was lucky enough to interview the “end
users” – the firefighters themselves!
Nicoloff and Associates Inc., in San Diego, provided
complete A&E services including design, construction documents – plans,
specifications and cost estimates –
bidding support and construction observation. James Nicoloff was principal in
charge and designer; Susan Vigus-Evans was project manager.
The scope of the project included a two- bay double-deep
apparatus room, sleeping quarters for four firefighters and two fire captains,
an exercise room, kitchen/dining facilities and a day room. Site development of
the 1.5 acre lot includes an emergency generator, parking for visitors and
staff and an outdoor patio area.
Since the firefighters work 24 hour shifts, the kitchen is a
very important part of the station. There is a Captain, an Engineer and a
Firefighter on duty together at all times and many meals are shared. This “kitchen
to envy” is equipped with a Commercial grade Viking double oven and cook top and
gets a lot of use, as do the two GE refrigerators and the Kenmore dishwasher
(all stainless steel). There is also a Weber BBQ on the patio for outdoor
grilling.
The counter tops, prep areas and sink are also stainless
steel, chosen for their durability and anti-bacterial resistance. The satin
finish is a functional and an easy to maintain stainless option.
Another important appliance is the Washer-Extractor used to
wash their Turnout Gear. Firefighter turnout gear is essential to the
protection of both the firefighter and those individuals they are trying to
rescue. Debris that remains on turnout gear can damage it and render it
incapable of providing the shield that the firefighters depend upon for
survival. The most efficient way for firehouses to comply with National Fire
Protection Assoc. guidelines for cleaning turnout gear is to invest in a programmable, front-load, washer-extractor. These machines allow for the
precise control of water temperature, chemical types and amounts, number of
baths, etc.
The day room is furnished with four La-Z- Boy Recliners and
is carpeted with commercial grade carpet. The fabric selected for the recliners
was Performance quality brown plush corduroy; chosen for its durability,
comfort and stain resistance. The carpet is a long lasting commercial grade
100% Solution Dyed Polypropylene Nylon loop - strong enough to withstand foot
traffic and resistant to stains and debris tracked into the station from
footwear and boots.
With the exception of the dorm rooms which are also
carpeted, the rest of the fire station flooring is Linoleum. This eco-friendly, 100% natural product is
also non-toxic and biodegradable. Linoleum is tough and can last for decades.
Besides being hypoallergenic and water resistant, it is easy-care with regular mopping
and cleaning. Since the firefighters do all their own housekeeping and are
responsible for keeping their station clean during their shifts, low
maintenance is very important to
them.
All flooring in these busy, multi function areas were chosen
for durability, hygiene, appearance retention and easy maintenance. Non- slip safety
is also a concern given that when the fire alarm sounds, they are often awaken
in the middle of the night and must quickly jump into their turn outs and boots
and into the fire engine.
Since this report concentrated on the materials and products
chosen for the interior of the station, I did not show the apparatus room, the
storage areas for emergency equipment or the workout room, but they were also included
in the project.
The design of this newest fire station is functional and
beautiful at the same time.
Product
Sources and Links:
www.vikingappliances.net (Oven and Cook top)
www.geappliances.com (Refrigerator)
www.kenmore.com (Dishwasher)
www.continentalgirbau.com (Front-load Washer-Extractor)
www.la-z-boy.com – Recliners
www.weber.com (BBQ)
Posts
3 comments:
I ilke how the exterior achitect looks more like a home than a fire station. This is what I like to call "the brillinance of an achitecturer".
This station looks a lot like the one in Tustin off of Pioneer. I love the new look of these though, love the stone work and warm colors. A new way to look at traditional firehouses.
i like the stons outside
Post a Comment