Designed by Oakland-based Shah Kawasaki Architects, the Fire Station 18 has been built on a brownfield site in a mixed-use working class neighbourhood on a busy thoroughfare in Central East Oakland. Designed to be efficient, eco-friendly and free of toxins, the new facility has replaced the old station on the existing site to meet OSHA and ADA requirements and accommodate modern emergency response apparatus.
Spread over 10,000 square feet, Fire Station 18 accommodates three shifts of up to eight fire fighters and two ride-along students, two trucks and one ladder truck. The new station also offers an updated floor plan and layout that features spacious and secure parking, an interior courtyard, and a large public community room. The innovative fire station design responds to the restrictions of a tight urban site by providing three drive-through bays for apparatus’ that allow fire fighters to enter and exit the station without stopping the traffic.
The new two-story building is built on grade beams and spread footings with moment-frames, shear walls, open-web trusses and glue-lams. It also features a structural steel tower section supporting an exterior flagpole with a height of approximately 60 feet.
Fire Station 18 is the first station in Oakland that provides hotel-style accommodations complete with private bathrooms for fire fighters to ensure privacy and better sleeping arrangements for the crew as compared to the older bunk-style rooms with shared bathrooms. It also includes two captain’s bedrooms. A new public art project has been specifically created for this station, drawing the residential and commercial architectural styles of the community together.
The building was designed to meet both the City of Oakland’s Green Building Ordinance and LEED Gold Certification building requirements. It features a solar hot water system that has the capacity to provide 100% of the building’s hot water needs with adequate sun levels. A highly efficient HVAC system is also featured that uses less energy than forced air heating systems along with a natural ventilation system that provides all cooling needs for the fire station. Water efficient landscaping and reduced water usage was achieved through low-flow toilets, showers and faucets.
A Construction Waste Management Plan diverted 75% of waste from landfill. Sustainable building and finish materials were included such as denim insulation, linoleum, FSC-certified wood products, and cool roofing materials.
Other sustainable elements include site selection, development density, brownfield redevelopment, public transportation access, bicycle storage and changing rooms. The building also features storm water management for a green roof.
Fire Station 18 will also serve as a community landmark with opportunities for general public to receive mentoring and training. They can also attend neighbourhood meetings in the community room.
