Client: City of Coquitlam Location: Coquitlam, BC Size: 11,760 sf Budget: $3,500,000 Status: Completed in 2011
Protective / Emergency Services
Coquitlam Town Centre Fire Hall No. 10 Addition

In this complex project, JDa designed a glass, brick and concrete addition to Coquitlam’s primary fire hall, creating a physical and aesthetic bridge between old and new, public and private. Two storeys and a basement provided much-needed office space and an updated dispatch centre and training room, while a new front entrance helped the station better connect to the large community it serves.

The old station was comprised of two separate buildings for fire suppression and administration. JDa was brought in to marry the physical spaces and reflect the team approach that has become the modern standard.

Respecting the past, looking to the future

JDa’s first challenge was to mass two separate buildings with disparate functions while respecting the existing architecture and materials. It made sense to reintroduce red brick to parts of the new connecting building, which is constructed mostly from concrete with an aluminum metal composite panel connecting old and new areas on the east side.

Proximity to an ecologically sensitive area required a complex stormwater management program.

Sustainability

LEED® NC Silver Certified

Awards

  • Fire Chief Magazine 2011 Station Style Design Award – Notable (Renovated Station)
  • F.I.E.R.O. 2011 Fire Station Design Award – Recognition/Bronze (Renovation)

The fire station’s approachability has been greatly improved. Flagpoles and a canopy denote the building’s new main entry and a public plaza, bike parking and seating encourage community interaction.

Meeting the challenge of sustainability

Stormwater management was an enormous priority for this project as the site is very close to ecologically sensitive areas such as Lafarge Lake. To ensure runoff was controlled, JDa created a large bioswale with rock weirs that slow the flow of water into the storm system. Large scuppers permit rooftop drainage while permeable asphalt reduces runoff from paved areas. Discharge hoses complement the stormwater system.

Maintaining security — and sightlines

It’s imperative that protective services buildings provide security and can withstand a multitude of potential disasters. Security glass separates administration and fire suppression functions—as well as public and private areas—while permitting visual transparency and allowing staff and visitors maximum access to light

Oversized graphics and pops of colour pepper the concrete interior walls in the addition, which houses administrative spaces like reception, offices and new dispatch and training rooms. The large-scale graphics also aid in wayfinding.

Bold colour makes for an energetic, welcoming space for the public.
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