This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Fire Station No. 36 embodies the city of El Paso’s dedication to blending functionality, performance and aesthetic appeal. Designed to complement the rugged Franklin Mountains and enhance the desert landscape, the station integrates local materials and contemporary design with West Texas warmth.
Developing a solution for the 1.1-acre site with a 24-foot elevation change next to a hospital and a community jogging/bike path was no small feat. Members of the design team worked with the civil engineering team to ensure that the driveways were navigable by fire apparatus. Ramps and well-lit crosswalks ensure pedestrian accessibility and safety. The site of the facility also features a small pocket park that has a public art installation that’s dedicated to the station’s first responders.
Sustainable practices were crucial in addressing El Paso’s arid climate. The station uses high efficiency HVAC systems, operable windows for natural ventilation and light-colored roofing materials to reduce energy consumption. Xeriscaping and water conservation methods minimize water usage, and locally quarried stone and brick reduced transportation costs while supporting the local economy.
Supporting the wellness of the fire and EMS crews was the primary design focus of the project. The station includes decontamination areas, airlocks and a direct-capture exhaust system to minimize members’ exposure to carcinogens.
Designed for three shifts of seven personnel, the open-concept dayroom/kitchen/dining area promotes social interaction. The fully equipped fitness room opens onto a private, wraparound patio that’s shared with the dayroom and provides outdoor space for decompression and workouts. The design of the second floor features dormitory-style rooms with individual beds, to promote communal living and camaraderie.
Fire Station No. 36 provides essential coverage to the city’s growing north end and serves as a community hub, with a training room available for local events. This project sets a new standard for future stations in the city and exemplifies excellence in public safety infrastructure.
Architect: BRW Architects