2009-11-23 21:25:05 -
Leading fire station architecture firm Domusstudio Architecture, with more than half a dozen stations built or in design and construction throughout Southern California, recently celebrated a groundbreaking for La Quinta Fire Station No. 32.
Expected to be completed in early fall 2010, the $6.8 million project in the renowned golf community in Riverside County incorporates a 7,200-square-foot fire station as well
as improvements to the neighboring City Corporate Yard, where public works equipment is parked.
“The selection of Domusstudio Architecture was based on their experience and the fresh outlook they had for what we wanted to do,” explained CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Division Chief Dorian J. Cooley. Cooley was part of the three-person selection committee, which reviewed more than 20 proposals and then narrowed the field to six to be interviewed. “We were looking for an architect with fire station experience, which Domusstudio Architecture has, and then during the interview we listened to them articulate what they are about, how they work and how they would put together a plan for us. We felt very comfortable with them and their approach.”
Featuring state-of-the-art technology and energy-efficient systems, the new fire station meets the ongoing needs of firefighters but also fits into the character of the Spanish Colonial-themed La Quinta Village area, according to Wayne Holtan, AIA, a principal at Domusstudio Architecture in San Diego.
“In addition to its four-engine capacity, the fire station architecture is dominated by a two-story public entry tower that brings ambient light to the lobby and work areas,” Holtan explained. “In keeping with the Spanish Colonial theme, but with a California contemporary twist, the building has a smooth plaster finish, staggered red-tile roof and recessed windows and doors.”
“One of our key selection criteria was that the design of the fire station fit into the community, to feel like it belongs here,” Cooley said. “I am pleased with the way Domusstudio Architecture has pulled in design elements reflecting the old world architecture of the La Quinta village area. They’ve done a really nice job with that.”
Among the unique design features incorporated into the new fire station are bifold doors instead of the more traditional rollup doors.
“This is the first time our department has used bifold doors here in this county, but regionally we are starting to see them more and more in fire station design,” Cooley said. “The doors may cost a little more up front but they are more reliable and require less maintenance over the long term. They’ll be better operationally for us and because of the unique design styles available in these doors, the station will have a better aesthetic within the community.”
La Quinta Fire Station No. 32’s Domusstudio Architecture design also features sustainable elements. These include: photovoltaic solar panels in compliance with California Energy Code; insulated skylights that further reduce energy use; low water use landscaping; and recycled building materials.
State-of -the-art features at the new station include an exhaust gas capture system that removes cancer-causing vehicle emissions and vents them directly outside the building and a high-performance commercial “extractor” washing machine that removes poisons and carcinogens from firefighters’ protective clothing, Cooley said.
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.
