This facility received a Career 2 Notable Award in the 2022 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Station 616 was designed to fit in with the natural topography of the site and to blend in with areas that surround the facility.
The two-apparatus-bay station includes six dormitories, an industrial kitchen, a dayroom, a dining area and a gym. Breckenridge Group Architects Planners led the team to incorporate the fire department requirements, to achieve the city council’s goals and to respond to neighborhood concerns. It was important to the city of Scottsdale to follow a transparent process that included public meetings with the Development Review Board and the city council.
The station is placed in a highly developed suburban ranch community. Drastic topography encompasses the site area, with a high ridge toward the northeast and low valleys surrounding it, which serve as natural washes. Because the site presented itself as the major challenge, much of the natural features were preserved. The building was placed at the base of the peak, where it mimics the slope with a large, sloped roof form of a rust color to blend into natural color tones of the site. The large overhangs shade the building to prevent heat gain during the summer months. The natural washes that surround the building are preserved through culverts under the roads that lead to the building.
The main ingress point off of Cave Creek Road integrates a deceleration lane to minimize the disruption of traffic as apparatus return to the station. Natural vegetation surrounds the road. Pedestrians and cyclists are walked into the site through a decomposed granite path from the main road to the front of the building.
Passive solar methods reduce energy cost and carbon footprint. Window covers prevent direct sunlight from entering the building while still allowing natural diffused light to enter. Landscape was added in exposed areas that could contribute to large heat gain. Water-collection areas capture rain runoff and properly distribute the excess water to plants that are around the site. Materials for the project were selected with longevity in mind and a minimal maintenance approach for years to come.
No mechanical equipment is placed on the main roof, which is sloped. Equipment is placed on the northeast flat-roof area, and parapets and screens are integrated to prevent undesired views. All other mechanical equipment that’s required is within the mechanical yard or behind screens and vegetation.
Exterior lighting is of minimal effect to adjacent properties. All lighting fixtures provide down light at low light levels. The lighting only guides visitors through the entrance road and along paths to allow for pedestrians to see where they are stepping. Roadside signage makes use of natural earth tones to not detract from natural views.
Architect/Firm Name: Klindt Breckenridge, AIA/Breckenridge Group Architects Planners
