CIVIC / GOVERNMENTAL
Boise Fire Station #9
In association with Rice Fergus Miller
Station #9 was designed to replace an aging facility, complement the surrounding architecture of the residential neighborhood while incorporating energy-saving features in the new design.
The original Station #9 was built in 1975 and this project was initially planned to remodel that facility. After a comprehensive review and investigation, it became apparent that the required functionality and programming would not work within the existing building. It was decided to have the team design and build a new station on the same site.
CLIENT
City of Boise Public Works Department
SERVICES
Architectural Services
Interior Design Services
SQUARE FOOTAGE
7,903 SF
AWARDS
2020 Station Design Award from Firehouse Magazine – Career 1 Notable
Green Project Award of Merit, ENR Mountain States Best Projects 2020
The site located in an established neighborhood influenced the design and allowed the department to be integrated into the community. The approximately 8,500 SF single-story structure allowed neighboring residential property views to remain unaffected. A public plaza combined with the entry of the station features art designed by a local artist and drought-tolerant landscaping.
The apparatus bay features bright red four-fold bay doors at the front of the station and traditional overhead doors at the rear of the drive-through bay. The pull through apparatus bays meet the requirements of the department and have a positive impact on neighborhood traffic. A decontamination room, equipment bunker, storage & supply room, and workshop are located directly off the bays.
Station #9 incorporates energy-saving features projected to be 65% more energy efficient than the energy code minimum standard. The station has a rooftop solar array, estimated to produce 33,600-kilowatt hours per year, equivalent to the yearly energy usage of three average homes. Daylighting was also incorporated with the use of solar tubes in the day room and clerestory windows with exterior awnings in taller spaces to allow for more natural light.
The building’s design was created to maximize energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. It includes the use of solar panels, mini-split electric heating and cooling units, solar tubes, water-saving fixtures and recycled materials. These features combine to make the fire station 65% more energy efficient than buildings that meet the city of Boise’s minimum energy standards.
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