Seattle Fire Station 30

The building’s highly transparent north facade offers passers-by a glimpse of the activity within, which improves neighborhood relationships. At night, the illuminated building becomes a beacon of the Seattle Fire Department’s presence and commitment to the community.

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Wrapped in a folded plane of copper skin, the building’s program is revealed through a series of pulls and reliefs in this fabric.

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The fire station is constructed in a liquefaction zone. Poor soils required that a lightweight wood frame and sheet metal skin be placed atop an elevated structural slab supported by an auger‐cast pile system.

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Civic Transparency

Seattle Fire Station 30

Seattle, WA

Reinforcing Neighborhood Connection

Located at the base of historic Mt. Baker Boulevard, Fire Station 30 marks a transition from the commercial activity of Rainier Avenue to the adjacent residential neighborhood. The simple form and transparent, two-story main façade create a civic identity and welcoming presence for the fire department.

Deployment Efficiency

Station 30 is designed to meet an exacting deployment target of one minute from the initial alarm call to rig departure. Floor plans are stacked so that the main circulation path is repeated on both levels. Stairs on each end of the building provide efficient movement from bunk rooms to work areas.

Healthy Living

The LEED Gold station is designed to optimize occupant health and comfort. “Dirty” spaces such as the apparatus bays are separated from offices, kitchen and bunk areas to reduce transmission of hazardous particles to the living and work environment. Natural daylighting is balanced through clerestory windows, skylights, sun shading devices and fritting.

Client

City of Seattle, Department of Finance and Administrative Services

Overview

New two-story neighborhood fire station in Seattle’s Mt. Baker neighborhood

Program

Two apparatus bays to house one-engine company with EMS, officer’s quarters, firefighter’s bunk rooms, kitchen and dining (beanery), day room and physical training

Size

9,100 sf

Sustainable Metrics

LEED Gold, Certified

Completion Date

2011

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

Collaborators

Designed as Schacht Aslani Architects

Awards

AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Citation Award, 2013