DANIEL CASTRO MARTINEZ | ARCHITECT
EIA CRASH FIRE RESCUE BUILDING
Fire station
Exumas, Bahamas
Equipo Daniel Castro and Conway Smith
Fecha 2024
Estado under construction
Location Exumas, Bahamas
Tipologia Airport
Tamaño 4700 sqft
Cliente Public
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The CRASH FIRE RESCUE BUILDING for the Exumas Airport spans 4,700 sqft of Gross Floor Area (GFA), designed as a vital component of the airport's safety infrastructure. This project embodies a synthesis of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, aligning with the rigorous demands of emergency response operations.
The structural framework of the building is characterized by a straightforward yet robust design, utilizing steel porticos with spans of 17.5 feet. These porticos are crafted from high-tensile steel, ensuring both durability and resilience. The simplicity of the structure is a deliberate choice, reflecting the building's purpose while facilitating rapid construction and ease of maintenance.
The foundation is designed as a reinforced concrete slab-on-grade, providing a stable base capable of supporting the dynamic loads associated with emergency response vehicles and equipment. This foundation ensures the building's stability on the sandy soil of Exumas, addressing potential issues related to soil erosion and settlement.
The building's exterior is clad in corrugated aluminum panels with a metallic finish, chosen for their reflective properties and ability to mitigate solar heat gain. This enveloping roof design not only enhances the building's thermal performance but also creates a striking visual profile. The reflective surface reduces the need for artificial cooling, contributing to the building's overall energy efficiency.
Incorporating the corporate colors of green and blue, inspired by the fire trucks used by the emergency services, adds a vibrant yet cohesive identity to the building. These colors are applied strategically to the facade and interior elements, reinforcing the building's role within the airport's operational framework.
The windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light while maintaining the building's thermal efficiency. Using high-performance, low-E glass with a solar control coating minimizes heat gain and glare, ensuring a comfortable interior environment. These windows are also impact-resistant, providing additional safety and security in the event of severe weather conditions.
The interior layout is designed for maximum efficiency and rapid response. The simple form of the building promotes a sense of openness and clarity, essential for emergency operations. The flooring is a durable, slip-resistant epoxy coating, capable of withstanding heavy use and providing a safe working environment for the personnel.
Sustainability is integral to the design, incorporating several green building strategies. A rainwater harvesting system collects water for non-potable uses, such as vehicle washing and landscape irrigation. The building is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and a state-of-the-art HVAC system that optimizes energy use based on occupancy and external weather conditions.
The roof is designed with integrated photovoltaic panels, harnessing solar energy to offset a portion of the building's electricity consumption. This renewable energy source reduces the building's carbon footprint and operational costs. Additionally, the building management system ensures optimal performance of all mechanical and electrical systems, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.
In summary, the CRASH FIRE RESCUE BUILDING for Exumas Airport is a model of modern emergency response architecture. It combines functional efficiency, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal, creating a facility that not only meets the critical needs of its users but also stands as a testament to innovative and sustainable design practices.
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