Aldine Fire Station No. 41
Station 41 utilizes pre-cast concrete tilt-wall construction at the apparatus bays to both tie into the industrial surroundings and save on construction cost, while providing a durable exterior and interior finish appropriate for the unconditioned space. On the living area portion of the building, durable fiber-cement panels with a concrete-look finish ties the aesthetic together across the building, which is softened by woodlook metal panels and accented by red metal paneling. Landscape is low-maintenance, cost efficient and limits water-use, while highlighting the modern forms of the building.
The station utilizes a jack-and-jill configuration for sleeping and restroom accommodations, which allows the fire fighters to quickly access the restroom prior to responding to a night-time alert without losing time walking to a separate area. The configuration also allows private transition from bedroom to restroom without compromising a gender-neutral design, and the use of pocket doors allows for efficient use of space and quieter, quicker operation of doors.