In Quarters; Estero, FL, Fire Station No. 45
This facility received the Career 1 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Surrounded by residential development and a protected preserve, the five-acre site for the new Fire Station No. 45 was designed to establish a strong civic and community presence in the southeastern part of the county. The location, which is along a major thoroughfare in the city of Estero, allows the fire district to meet an increased demand and provide efficient response time.
A passive design approach shapes the station’s siting, orienting it along a north/south axis to optimize natural ventilation from east and west winds into the apparatus bay. A wraparound porch envelops the metal building, blending aesthetic features with elements that harmonize with the community. This design prioritizes utility, ease of maintenance and adaptability for future needs.
Designed with a focus on fostering community among the crew, the station integrates home-like amenities that offer respite between calls while providing comprehensive training to firefighters and other emergency services personnel.
At the station’s core, an open kitchen reflects a sense of place where personnel can reconnect to nature via scenic vistas. Adjacent to the kitchen and dayroom, the back lanai and porch provide ample space and seating for members to collaborate and socialize. Additional amenities include a fitness area, bunkrooms that are equipped for three rotating shifts and an outdoor fitness trail. The station has a multipurpose room for training and community events and seminars.
Functionally, the fire station is equipped with five apparatus bays for fire and EMS response, emphasizing health and safety via dedicated decontamination zones. On-site training buildings simulate real world training scenarios to enhance the crew’s training and skills. Included in the training facility is a mobile home structure; a single-story home; a two-story, single-family home; a three-story, multi-family apartment building with burn room and roof deck; and a large, concrete apron for multiple-vehicle access.
Architect: Schenkel Shultz