New construction of 6 fire stations for the Volunteer Fire Department of Nuremberg, 2018–24
Development of standardized fire station buildings to generate synergies across all stations
Task. The new fire stations for the Volunteer Fire Department of Nuremberg were designed as standardized buildings, enabling adaptation to the varying number of apparatus bays, members, and specific site conditions. Each building also allows for the addition of one further bay. Additional design parameters included functionality and cost-efficiency in construction, as well as long-term sustainability in operation and maintenance.
Typology and organization. The standardized concept is translated architecturally into three combinable building volumes. Each fire station consists of a two-story functional block, whose length and size are adjusted to the number of members of the respective fire brigade. This block adjoins the vehicle hall with expansion bay. At the rear of the hall, a single-story storage and workshop area with roof terrace connects to both the vehicle hall and the funktional wing. The building configuration, with a main entrance and a secondary entrance to the PPE corridor, ensures functionality across all six fire stations despite differing plots and access conditions. The ground floor of the support wing houses changing rooms, PPE areas, first aid room, and technical spaces. The upper floor contains training, office, and youth rooms for theoretical instruction and community activities, as well as a kitchen and sanitary facilities.
Architecture and façade. The sculpturally articulated volumes, with staggered heights and recessed elements, establish a dialogue with the surrounding built environment. High-quality, durable brick façades are defined by subtle variations in tone, derived from the local color spectrum of each site, enhancing and enriching the cityscape. The site-specific color concept continues into the interiors, transforming standardized buildings into unique and individual fire stations.
Energy and sustainability. The building envelope and construction comply with the current German Energy Saving Ordinance and the City of Nuremberg’s energy efficiency guidelines. Energy systems include a heat pump and solar collectors on the roof. The robust building and spatial structure, together with the use of durable, low-maintenance materials such as exposed brickwork cladding, ensure high sustainability and long-term economic efficiency in operation.
