Denver Fire Department, Northfield Station No. 39

Denver Northfield Fire Station No. 39 was built in response to the growing Northfield community in Central Park, a mixed-use community built on a former airport site. As an integral part of the community, the station serves many functions—as the first responders’ workplace and home, a place for apparatus storage and repair, and a good neighbor within the community structure. The station is LEED Gold certified, and the overall design balances functionality with sustainability for this important public facility. Traditional exterior design and materials were used to continue the strong image of DFD, with careful planning and detailing of the interior for a light-filled living area with access to the apparatus bay at all times. As a public building, operations and maintenance are key to this 50/100-year building, including sustainable design. For overall energy-use reduction, OZ incorporated high-performance glazing and efficient lighting and mechanical systems. Healthy building materials and ample daylight through vertical glazing and skylights, a fitness center, and occupant controls were all implemented to support the comfort and health of the firefighters. Water-conserving toilets, faucets, and showers results in a 46% water use reduction as well.