Overview
DLZ provided full-service architecture and engineering design services associated with a new fire station in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Process
The primary focus of the building layout was to meet the residential and privacy needs of the firefighters while maintaining quick response times, hot zone separation, and efficient site circulation. The site design presented some challenging site constraints, such as a long, narrow, oddly shaped site; existing fuel pump to remain; and the natural six-foot change in elevation. These site constraints were capitalized upon and used as opportunities to achieve a creative and successful design solution.
DLZ also performed interior design, site/civil engineering, landscape design, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, bidding, and construction administration.
Results
The result was a new four-bay, 11,439 SF fire station with the living areas organized around a wide central spine, which leads directly to the apparatus bay allowing for quick response from anywhere in the building.
All materials, interior and exterior, were carefully selected to achieve the Township’s goal of a 75-year life span as well as low maintenance, both long term and ongoing.
The design includes many innovative mechanical and electrical features such as daylighting interlocks, radiant in floor heating, and individual cooling units in each space to maximize user controllability and efficiency of use. In lieu of a large detention pond, the site design utilizes bio swales for stormwater quality treatment and management. Other innovative site features include in slab radiant heating for all sidewalks and apparatus bay aprons, and native plantings throughout the site.
