The characteristic building cubature is determined by a threefold structure of the building, with a cubic vehicle hall and two building fingers. The fine, vertically structured façade is characteristic, whose planking made of wooden slats of different thicknesses and widths creates an interplay of light and shadow. The building is thus successfully integrated into its surroundings of extensive fields and individual groups of trees that characterise the village.

Well thought-out cubature for optimal operations

The basic body is the modern, seven-metre-high vehicle hall with parking spaces for five emergency vehicles and four swap body roll-off containers. Connected to it are a single-storey storage area and a two-storey administration wing with changing rooms, recreation and training rooms. In total, this results in a gross floor area of 1313 m2. The three-part structure creates two independent and differently designed courtyards. The vehicle hall is designed as a two-way passageway to avoid unnecessary manoeuvring and reduce noise for the surrounding area. The courtyard for the firefighters is located on the side facing away from the street. Rounded corner areas of the meandering building cubature provide better insight and visibility and create an urban accent. The building is macroscopically optimally positioned on the site in relation to the adjacent streets and buildings. Inside the building, a pleasant atmosphere can be created by using warm oak floors and exposed glulam ceilings made of local spruce as well as cream-white painted walls. The targeted use of fire-engine red accents in lockers, elevator and lettering creates appealing contrasts that match the building task.

Sustainable in construction and operation

The vehicle hall was constructed with wooden fish-bellied girders on wooden supports, all other walls and ceilings were implemented as a timber frame supporting structure with beams and supports made of glulam. The roof areas are extensively greened. The construction of the walls as a timber frame construction enabled a very high degree of prefabrication, which resulted in a construction time of just under one and a half years. The consistent use of wood is also reflected in the building technology systems: sustainable and resource-saving operation is carried out with photovoltaic systems and solar thermal energy, heating is provided by an energy-efficient wood pellet heating system. The administration wing thus almost reaches the passive house standard.

Interplay of function, aesthetics and sustainability

The Tübingen-Lustnau fire department will be able to move into its new building on the outskirts of Tübingen in November 2022. The first operation had to be carried out on the first day after the parade: with success. Because only 8 minutes passed from the alarm to the deployment. Consistent timber construction sets trend-setting standards for the symbiosis of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability and is not only a functioning fire station, but also an effective figurehead of sustainable municipal architecture and a future-proof building culture.

Text: Gaus Architekten
Photos: Oliver Rieger

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