Fairview Fire Station #32
Fairfax Station, VA
Size:
13,500 SF
Originally designed by Samaha and constructed in 1981, Fairview Fire Station #32 was in need of building system upgrades, enhanced living facilities, and additional space for support functions. The replacement fire station includes three apparatus bays, space for career staffing, four-fold doors, and Westnet integration. An enlarged roof provides solar shading for the building facades and maximizes the area available for installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The ground floor houses the apparatus and support functions, while the second floor serves the daily living functions.
This facility includes two pilot projects: one for therapy support through the addition of a therapy dog, and another aimed at achieving Net Zero energy consumption and LEED Gold certification. Both initiatives are part of Fairfax County’s innovative efforts to enhance well-being for community service members and promote sustainability.
Achieving Net Zero energy consumption was a critical design challenge set forth by the owner. As Fairfax County's first Net Zero fire station, the design team had the opportunity to develop an entirely new strategy to meet this ambitious goal. The tight site was a significant constraint, which limited the area for on-site power generation. Consequently, the building had to be exceptionally efficient to minimize the size of the PV array required.
The design team began by utilizing an energy model to identify strategies that provided the largest return on investment from an energy standpoint. This model examined various factors, including different types of glass (triple vs. double-paned windows), different types and thicknesses of insulation, and the use of geothermal versus other mechanical systems. In total, 10-12 different strategies were evaluated, with some offering substantial paybacks and others providing minimal benefits. Using this model, specific design elements were identified as more advantageous in the pursuit of Net Zero energy consumption. Ultimately, these advanced energy-saving technologies were critical creating synergies between fire station operations and the County's Net Zero energy goals.
