Brampton Fire Station #201

The new Brampton Fire Station #201 is a gateway landmark as people enter the City on the busy Rutherford Road, to see the national and provincial flags, sloped roofs and hose tower as a symbol of dedication and unwavering commitment from first responders to their community. Drawing on the City’s Urban Design Guidelines to bring public facilities to the street, the hose tower and peaks are apparent and make their statement from a few blocks away. The station contributes to a community-centric design, serving as a hub for emergency services but also contributing to the overall well-being and safety of the Brampton community through its visibility. The project is a culmination of functional design and aesthetic placemaking, providing an efficient and effective landmark to the city’s portfolio.

Built to last, the station has a design that emphasizes durability, with enhanced resistance to the unpredictable environment we are facing. The station features a VRF system enhancing occupant comfort in individual spaces, providing operational efficiency for a facility. The target of 160kWh/sqm/year is aggressive for a 24hr facility but has been achieved through careful consideration of the mechanical and electrical systems employed, and their coordination with increased levels of insulation and strategic building design.

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Natural lighting and connection to the site has been achieved through strategic placement of windows while maintaining a window to wall ratio of around 12%. Passive House ideology is also apparent through the minimized south facing glazing reducing heating and cooling needs for the facility with ambient and diffused light that minimizes solar gain. Similarly, the wood fins on south wall adding intrigue in place of windows on the south façade also provide shading to the brick wall reducing direct heat gain and storage. Interior spaces have been arranged to coincide with these passive strategies and benefit shiftwork of the crew. In the apparatus garage bays, high speed overhead and bi-folding doors minimize the time that the entrances and exits are open, allowing conservation of heating energy when responding to calls in the winter months.

Completely gender inclusive, the station looks to breakdown perceived barriers and bias within service delivery in a modern workforce. A balance of private spaces with connected common spaces contributes to a positive working environment while respecting the dynamics of an inclusive workforce. Connected and flowing spaces including the lounge, dining/training space and kitchen provide essential spaces for decompression, relaxation and camaraderie.

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The building’s materials and finishes emphasize the uniqueness of the department, with a unique but familiar aesthetic that contributes to a strong civic identity. The station balances advances in contemporary station civic building design with traditional elements that speak to a historic understanding. Beyond durability and diversity, the new station boasts a collection of sustainable strategies, space optimization and health-focused design. Embodying the spirit and strength of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, paving the way for a safer and more resilient future.