In Quarters: South Metro Rescue Station No. 15, Centennial, CO

This facility received the Career 2 Gold award in the 2025 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

South Metro Fire Rescue Station No. 15 was designed to meet a rigorous set of program requirements that support the evolving operational demands of a modern fire department.

The station accommodates three shifts of six firefighters each, providing three apparatus bays and incorporating key amenities, such as communal living areas, individually climate controlled sleeping quarters, specialized decontamination facilities, operations support spaces and full fire suppression systems. Committed to longevity, the building adheres to a 75-year materials and quality standard. The design team responded to these criteria by developing a two-story structure that seamlessly maximizes functionality, durability and operational efficiency for members. 

A notable challenge was the station’s parallelogram-shaped site, which barely accommodated the original station. The design team transformed the site restrictions into strengths by orienting the new building at a distinctive angle, including to manage adjacent floodway drainage. The apparatus bays were purposefully aligned perpendicular to the road, which guarantees swift, direct access through folding doors. The main building mass pivots away from the bay, to form an interstitial area for entrances, offices and support spaces. This inventive solution also preserves critical circulation and allows space for an on-site training mezzanine at the back of the bay. All of this earned particular praise from the Station Design Awards judges.

Circulation routes on both levels of the facility connect high-use areas and sleeping quarters directly to the apparatus bays. Two staircases and a fire pole offer multiple egress options.

Well-being for first responders was a guiding principle of the facility’s design. Natural light bathes the interior, to  reduce stress and foster alertness. Each firefighter benefits  from an individually climate- and lighting-controlled sleeping room, including blackout shades.

A two-story fitness room has large windows, an overhead door and a covered patio, to provide natural light and fresh air. The fitness room also features a reinforced masonry wall to support specialized workout activities where extreme durability is needed.

Health and safety protocols were paramount. The decon shower was designed as a unique three-step process: Personnel first remove soiled gear and deposit it directly into a laundry drop, then proceed to shower, and finally access a locker dressing area for clean clothing. A lock system ensures privacy and smooth flow through each stage. Separate air handling systems for the bays and living quarters prevent cross-contamination, and bays are equipped with a direct-capture vehicle exhaust system. Positive-pressure corridors further reinforce the division between living quarters and the apparatus bays. The Station Design Awards judges’ rating of all of this was among the best of all of the facilities that they assessed.

The public entrance, which is centrally located near the crew watch office, enhances security, supervision and separation of the public from the work areas.

The station’s design boldly asserts its civic presence with a two-story form, prominent red bay doors and a modern tower.

Durable, natural materials, including brick and zinc panels, along with energy-efficient systems, ensure resilience, sustainability and a welcoming presence within the community.

Architect: OZ Architecture