Marion Fire Station Headquarters
We all know that firefighters risk life and limb when combating flames and other emergencies, but there are additional, less obvious detriments to their health that come with the job. According to studies, firefighters are at greater risk of developing PTSD, Shift Work Sleep Disorder, coronary disease, and cancers than the general population. In light of this, the design of contemporary fire stations has shifted towards a more holistic health concept.
Product(s) in use
Info
Type
Commercial, Workplace
Client
City of Marion
Location
Marion Iowa
Designer
OPN Architects
“Fire stations present several unique design challenges,” explains Landon Burg, a project architect at OPN Architects, a prolific firm based in the Midwest. “The two primary challenges we focused on [for Marion Fire Station Headquarters] were the health and wellbeing of the firefighters and overall response times to events.” To accomplish this, OPN integrated several biophilic design choices into the two-story, 21,000 square foot building. The building is oriented to maximize natural daylight and specialized LED lighting was also integrated to promote healthy circadian rhythms. Access to the outdoors was also a priority, so two upper floor terraces were added.
OPN Architects used B+N’s Fortina Rican Oak louvers as exterior sunshade for these terraces. The louvers are arranged to complement the building’s overall boxy form while simultaneously contrasting with the shou sugi ban facade. Their superior durability to wood will guarantee consistent performance and aesthetics despite Iowa’s sometimes harsh climate.
