Fire station Melle-Oost

Project description:

The East Fire Station is built on the border between Ghent and Melle, whereby the barracks will be used for both Ghent firefighters and Melle volunteer firefighters.  Both parties not only have agreed upon the stations location and operation but they also share a common sustainable vision for the construction of it.

The building consists of a depot for equipment and vehicles and a living and working space for employees. The living and working environment is fully designed and implemented in accordance to the ‘Passiefhuisplatform’ (passive house platform) certification. The certification is achieved in close consultation and collaboration with the organization Passiefhuisplatform vzw .

During the design phase of this project, a considerable amount of attention was paid to the comfort level within the barracks during the summer months. The higher summer indoor temperatures were a problem they had been battling within their current fire station. The problem was addressed through a cantilevered architectural design that minimizes solar loads by providing sun shading. The remaining solar loads are addressed by apply adiabatic cooling to the air handling units.