This facility received a Career 2 Notable Award in the 2022 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
This fire station is three things: a reflection of local culture, a community hub and a place for respite.
Culture: Through form, materials and siting, the station reflects the area’s low-country/sea island character. The north roof line is asymmetrical: On the north façade (closest to the neighborhood), the height is lower in deference to neighboring homes and opens up toward the larger-scale portions of the apparatus bay.
Sustainable elements, such as the use of natural daylight, pervious pavers and rainwater collection, are integral to the design. A large array of solar panels, which is located on the largest south-facing roof plan above the apparatus bay, is used to create clean energy and to help to offset the amount of power that’s needed from the grid.
Community: This station is a community hub. With a state-of-the-art training room, family living room and a welcoming screened porch, it supports gathering.
Located on the coast, it’s critical that the station supports the community during natural disasters. The building is upgraded structurally to a Category IV essential facility to withstand high-wind storm events and is fully equipped to help first responders to serve the neighborhoods as soon as it’s safe for them to activate.
Respite: Most importantly, the station is a place of respite for firefighters. First responders deal with high-stress, dangerous situations that often are traumatic. Mental health is in the forefront of the industry’s concerns and is addressed here through open bunks, a large, open family room, natural daylight and outdoor areas, including a screened porch that’s tucked under large trees.
Architect/Firm Name: Liollio Architecture
