The New Station
The concept drawings for the new Chester Fire Station represent the culmination of a thoughtful and collaborative design process, ensuring the facility meets the modern needs of both the Chester Volunteer Fire Department and the community.
The new station is designed with safety, functionality, and sustainability at its core. It features improved space for faster response times, better operational efficiency, and enhanced safety measures for volunteer firefighters. The design reflects Chester’s architectural character, blending modern functionality with elements that respect the town’s unique charm.
This station will serve as a vital asset for emergency response while honoring the history and legacy of the CVFD.
Site Plan
• Located on the main route that will allow for a faster response with fewer obstacles
• Safer response sequence for the community
• Lower density area
• More space for: safer operations, parking, a water catchment and storage system for washing and filling trucks, and for drive-through apparatus bays
• No re-zoning is required
Sustainability
• Will have a rainwater catchment/storage system to provide water for washing and filling the trucks
• Other sustainable options are being considered, such as solar panels and geothermal system
Design Goals (Storied Elements)
• Contextually relevant for the community of Chester and its architectural language
• A design that focuses on functionality, efficiency, and simplicity, while still providing a quality design that the community is proud of
• Provides the required spaces for safe operations and proper contaminant separations for a healthy working environment for the volunteer firefighters
• Highlights the Antique and the history of the CVFD
• An appropriate scale for the adjacent context, with reference to the Chester Design Guidelines
• Designed to meet Post-Disaster requirements
Building Plans
• Building area: 25,050 square feet (2325 square metres)
• Designed for ease of circulation for faster response times and separation of contaminants
• Mezzanine in the apparatus bay allows for training exercises within the station
• The two-storey administration portion of the building takes advantage of the double-height space required in the apparatus bay for an efficient structure
Decontamination Safety
• Proper separation of contaminants for the safety of the volunteer firefighters, and their families who they return to after a call.
Exterior Building Form Design
• Design was inspired by the unique context of Chester
• Building form is broken into smaller massing elements with varied roof lines to reduce the perceived scale
• Pitched roof identifies with the architectural language of Chester, and the south-facing pitch is angled to accommodate potential solar panels
• Low-slope roof over the apparatus bay is structurally appropriate for large spans in the apparatus bay, allows for rainwater catchment, and is appropriately scaled for its proximity to the adjacent residential buildings
• Cladding draws inspiration from cedar shingles seen throughout the village and provides an interesting texture and scale
• The department’s original fire truck, ‘the Antique’ is showcased in the prominent corner of the building where it can be seen as you enter the building, and also from the street when illuminated at night