Government & Institutional:
Whiteford Volunteer Fire Station

This firehouse was a major addition and renovation to an existing metal building. Although on a tight budget, the design/build approach allowed the design/build team to maximize the owner's values and achieve a radical transformation of an originally unsightly dysfunctional building. Two major additions, new apparatus bays and new office and training areas were attached to the original fragile metal buildings. New openings were carefully located and cut through the metal building structure, which featured cross bracing. The new office-training wing features a technologically equipped training room, bunkrooms, shower facilities, and administrative offices. In order to house the volunteers' numerous awards, built-in award cabinets were integrated in the entrance design.

The design strides to capture neighborhood fire station design elements of years gone by, while integrating state-of-the art equipment and communication systems. Period lighting is utilized at the entrance and on the building to further capture a traditional character. Signage and volunteer symbols were carefully placed and integrated with the design using reverse gables. The design process was aided by many of the volunteer firefighters to create and refine various design solutions.