Toronto-based gh3* architects with S2 Architecture as the prime consultant, have designed the Windermere Fire Station No. 31, the first net-zero fire station in Edmonton, Canada. In the heart of the city's far southwest, this fire station embodies a new paradigm for fire stations, offering a visually striking presence against the Prairie sky and serving as a welcoming hub for the community. The fire station showcases the marriage of innovative design, sustainability, and community integration.

The fire station's design was driven by the challenge of transforming an uninspiring suburban site into an architectural landmark that seamlessly blends technical infrastructure with domestic space. Faced with the duality of a utilitarian apparatus bay and the residential dorms for firefighters, the architects created a building with two distinct masses: a "big volume, small volume" response that manifested itself into a bold and unified profile.

Externally, Windermere's monolithic appearance is achieved through a unified mass, dark woven masonry cladding, and a south-facing roof adorned with an extensive solar array. The juxtaposition of the dark, patterned brick with the solar panels creates a visual texture that plays with the building's solidity, showcasing the sculptural possibilities of brick. The deliberate choice of brick showcases its symbolic values of permanence, security and comfort, echoing the historical connection of fire halls as community landmarks.

The pitched roof pays homage to the now redundant fire hall hoses and bell towers of historic fire stations. It adds a touch of nostalgia and stature to the structure. The form is also reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains, creating a contemporary interpretation of the range that simultaneously honours tradition and embraces modern aesthetics.

Essentially built to facilitate the safeguarding of the community, the fire station is also built to be sustainable. It features thick insulation and high-performance windows that pair with atypical folding doors and quick-closing apparatus bay doors. This means that, compared to an average building in the area, the fire station has fewer windows. This married with the highly efficient doors restricts heat loss during general everyday functioning creating a high-performance building.

It takes its commitment to the environment further by successfully achieving net-zero status. This achievement is a result of a careful blend of passive and active systems. The building incorporates geothermal heating-cooling and solar photovoltaic electricity production. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with Edmonton's commitment to green initiatives, requiring LEED Silver certification and renewable energy equal to 100 per cent of total building energy needs, a large portion of which is fulfilled by the array of solar panels fitted on the dramatic roof of the building.

While the building is gaining fame for being net-zero, an achievement worth lauding, it is also worth noting that it is designed to maximise the comfort and productivity of its inhabitants. Inside Windermere Fire Station, the layout is organised around a corridor circuit, emphasising functionality and efficiency for rapid response times. The domestic area includes sleeping quarters, a kitchen, a lounge, offices and a central fitness area. The fitness space is lit by ample natural light from the glazed corridor facing the exterior courtyard.

The darker, monochromatic colour scheme in the domestic area contrasts with the light, airy quality of the apparatus bay. The white interiors of the apparatus bay are designed to promote a healthy work environment. This deliberate contrast of colours creates a dynamic visual experience and lends a sense of depth to the spaces.

With most fire stations fulfilling the purpose of being meaningful landmarks beyond their essential function of service stations, it becomes important to have them designed to suit the dual role.

To that end, the architects ensure that the Windermere fire station's functionality extends beyond its response capabilities, aiming to be a community beacon. They have carefully considered the historical role of fire halls as gateways to communities and Windermere seeks to redefine this relationship.

As a civic building, Windermere Fire Station No. 31 not only represents a compelling next phase in the architectural evolution of fire stations and civic buildings in general, it also successfully showcases how that can be achieved in a sustainable manner that benefits the occupants and the environment alike. The design ambition goes beyond creating a highly functional workplace; it aims to be an expressive and engaging structure that instils civic pride and integrates seamlessly into the community.