In Quarters: New Braunfels, TX, Fire Station No. 3

This facility received the Career 2 Gold Award in the 2022 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

Located one mile from the beloved Gruene Historic District and the Guadalupe River, New Braunfels Fire Station No. 3 is one of the busiest stations in the city, responding to nearly 3,000 calls in 2021. To maintain adequate turnout times to the tourist-driven response area, the new station was built on the same site where the station that it replaces was located.

The prime yet small and very narrow site necessitated a multistory, elongated station. Utilizing every square foot within the building and on the site was a critical component of this design solution. One example of maximizing space efficiency can be seen in the combination fire pole/stair/airlock space that meets all egress requirements while also preventing carcinogens and contaminants from entering the first- and second-floor living spaces. The two firepoles that are at either end of the building also ensure swift access from the second-floor bedrooms to the apparatus bays.

The interior design approach focused on creating a healthy station for the crew through the promotion of both mental and physical health. In addition to reducing the spread of carcinogens and contaminants, the station is designed with copious indoor daylighting to assist with stress-reduction and decompression. The light-hued paint colors on the interior ease the mind; the reds and browns of the exposed brick exude home-like warmth into the space and encourage camaraderie. To reduce the noise levels when the shared kitchen, dayroom and indoor/outdoor fitness center are occupied, the team designed a wood ceiling that has recessed acoustical felt and insulation.

A grand oak tree that’s located on the street view of the site grants the station much-appreciated shading from the Texas sun. This cherished tree was planted by a former firefighter and his son, who followed in his father’s footsteps and now is a New Braunfels firefighter.   

Architect/Firm Name: Brown Reynolds Watford Architects