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Fire Station, Amstelveen

Fire Station, Amstelveen

 

The decision to build this fire station was taken following two fires in Enschede and Volendam. On these two terrible occasions, the Netherlands once again realized the importance of fire brigades and wished to express their recognition with a new building.

The project of the new fire station forms part of a development and landscaping plan currently underway not far from Amstelveen. It is located alongside a natural reserve, between Amstelveen and Ouwerkerk, beside the A9 motorway, allowing it to cover a large area stretching as far as Amsterdam.

The building comprises two elements: a construction base on a level square section on which a horizontal volume is placed and extended in a rectangular section, which juts out into a 15 m overhang on either side.
The single-storey volume shelters the fire engines and work areas; it includes a covered courtyard, where drills are carried out without disturbing the surrounding areas, and extends out onto a terrace to the south. Its facades are partly covered with the bricks of the former fire station wall stacked in a galvanized steel grille on which, in time, vegetation will grow.

Large glass openings are installed in the south and north facades. A small bridge built with galvanized steel profiles provides a means for crossing the body of water surrounding the base.

The upper volume comprises offices on two levels, living and relaxation areas (sports room, canteen, etc.) and rest rooms. Its entire steel structure comprises two triangular trusses the height of the two storeys.

The south facade is characterized by a suspended structure of galvanized tubes which serves as a louvered shutter. Detached from the facade, it also forms a technical gallery. The horizontality, accentuated against the surface of the façade, responds to the surrounding nature, characterized by its flat and extensive aspect.

Text: Eve Jouannais