2009-10-15 18:44:56 -

Encinitas Fire Station No. 3, a two-story concrete masonry structure with curving rooflines designed by Domusstudio Architecture, has been selected among the “best” in the state by California Construction magazine.

The statewide “Best of 2009” competition recognizes construction and design excellence, as judged by an independent jury of industry experts. More than 125 projects were nominated in a variety of categories for this year’s competition.

“It is an honor to be recognized and a testament to our partnership with the City of Encinitas Fire Department,” said Wayne Holtan, AIA, a principal at Domusstudio Architecture. The San Diego firm is currently designing two more fire stations with the coastal California city. Encinitas Fire Station No. 5, also designed by Domusstudio Architecture,

then known as Dominy + Associates Architects, was named Best North Coast Fire Station in the San Diego Architectural Guide.

Completed in June, Encinitas Fire Station No. 3 was judged based on several criteria, including: project management, overcoming challenges of the job, overall excellence in architectural or engineering design, innovation, safety and the contribution to the community and/or the construction industry.

According to Domusstudio’s Holtan, the building was designed to meet all practical and functional needs as well fit in aesthetically with the community.

“By incorporating eclectic architectural features, like horizontal lapsiding juxtaposed with the masonry block and a standing seam metal roof, the overall effect is unique to Leucadia and a complement to the beach neighborhood of Encinitas,” Holtan said.

As a merit award winner, the project will be featured in the December issue of McGraw-Hill’s California Construction publication. Representatives of Domusstudio Architecture will attend an awards presentation Dec. 9 in Long Beach.

“It’s an interesting building,” said Encinitas Fire Department Division Chief Scott Henry, who is project manager. “I think the uniqueness – not at all cookie-cutter square – speaks to the character of our city.”

Located at 801 Orpheus Ave., the 1970s-era Encinitas Fire Station No. 3 was completely demolished last year so that it could be replaced with a modern, expanded public safety facililty. The new station spans 7,256 square feet, more than double its original size, and has the capacity to house extra engines and firefighters in the event of large-scale disasters like flooding or wildfire.

Built with an eye toward the future, the station’s normal capacity is for three firefighters and a battalion chief. Currently there is a firefighter, captain and engineer. The first floor of the station includes offices, a training classroom, physical fitness area and three oversized bays for emergency equipment. In addition to the main fire engine and one reserve engine, Station No. 3 is home to a rescue trailer specially suited to confined space emergencies.

The firefighters’ living area is upstairs, including four bedrooms with two beds each, a dining area, kitchen and day room. The station’s design also includes a deck for outdoor living space. In addition to stairs, which firefighters typically would use to respond to an emergency, the station also features a firefighters’ pole.

Domusstudio Architecture’s design incorporates numerous sustainable elements, adding to the efficiency of the station. Sustainable systems at Fire Station No. 3 include erosion control measures, storm water management, low water use landscaping, and highly efficient irrigation and water heaters. The station also has storage and collection areas for recyclables.

Energy efficiency also is evident in the lighting utilized at the station, including use of LED exit signs, compact fluorescent lighting fixtures and occupancy sensors, which automatically turn out lights in rooms when they aren’t in use.

The station utilized recycled building materials and use of regional materials, including the masonry block. Low emitting/low VOC materials, finishes and coatings were used for the building’s flooring, paints and sealants. And much of the fire station’s equipment prior to demolition has been refurbished for reuse in the kitchen and laundry area of the new station.

The windows are tinted, dual glazed and operable for maximizing natural coastal breezes. This also reduces the air conditioning and heating loads for the facility. The installed A/C and heating equipment is very efficient and sustainable, exceeding California Energy Commission standards.

In addition to the professional design services of Domusstudio Architecture, other Encinitas Fire Station No. 3 reconstruction project team members include Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc. construction manager, Structural Engineering Solutions, Deneen Powell Atelier Landscape, BDS Civil Engineers, and Syska Hennessy Group, MEP engineers.

Domusstudio Architecture is a 23-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects. Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service. For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit www.domusstudio.com.