The new fire station’s prominent position within the village and its spatial relationship to Gasthaus Krone asked for a sensitive approach. The design cautiously settles the new building into the existing topography, forming a separate square within the village and creating a scenario typical for Sulzberg Thal. Furthermore, the road layout could remain intact and reinforced structures could be reduced to a minimum.
The building is clearly separated into vehicle depot with control room and all other functions, which are grouped into compact units according to room height and temperature requirements. The radio and control room is elevated, overlooking both the vehicle depot and the forecourt with the crew’s entrance. A gravel lawn for emergency parking is situated alongside the road. The building’s top floor slight cantilever marks and shields the entrance area, which is adjoined by the control area and locker rooms. The top floor hosts a classroom, village archives, an office and auxiliary rooms. Its full glazing facing the village’s entrance transports and communicates the public function of the building. Silver-fir-cladding gives the building a uniform appearance and responds to the traditional appearance of the village’s building typology.
The large continuous glazing structures the building, creating an air of lightness and transparency. External shading protects the interior from overheating. While the vehicle depot is built as a solid structure, the top as well as the tube-shaped tower are constructed in timber. The tower’s two glass facades reveal a glimpse of the activities taking place at the fire station.
