Marion’s newest fire station has received an Excellence in Design Honor Award from the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Awarded annually, the AIA Iowa Excellence in Design awards recognize excellence in architecture projects designed by members of AIA Iowa. Awards reflect a project’s design excellence, response to solving architectural challenges, and importance in the community. The event was held virtually as part of the organization’s annual conference on Sept. 23, 2021.

As one juror commented: “Great works of architecture often transcend their program. Why not a fire station?”

The jury also applauded the design for capturing visual connections to the outside, being a point of pride for Marion, honoring those who serve the community, and being a strong benchmark for civic architecture.

“For several years, we’ve explored different ways to connect people with nature in the built environment,” said Tom Treharne, acting city manager and community development director for the City of Marion. “This is the first project to wholeheartedly embrace the concept.”

Located in a rapidly growing area of Marion, the recently completed fire station reduces response time, establishes a strong and transparent civic presence, and uses biophilic design principles to support firefighters’ physical and mental wellness.

“The Marion Fire Department is committed to fire prevention, protection, and preservation,” said Marion Fire Chief Deb Krebill. “This station was designed with the health and well-being of our firefighters in mind.”

The lobby is a welcoming, light-filled space allowing for direct views to the apparatus bay. It hosts the display of the Fire

Department’s rich history, pride, and tradition on a history wall. The exterior is complete with shou sugi ban wood, a charred wood using controlled fire, that adds texture, depth, and narrative to the building. The wood is highlighted by the contrast of the smooth panes of glass throughout, which maximizes daylight and allows connection to the community. Both of these results contribute to promoting wellness in first responders.

To ensure the firefighters have a variety of areas to relax and recharge, the fire station also includes multiple types of spaces. A full kitchen with a large family-style table, along with a TV and gaming room make up the living rooms in the fire station. The space is wrapped in full-height glazing and has exposed wood ceilings. Circadian lighting is used throughout to ensure the firefighters’ wake-sleep cycle is synchronized with natural light. These interior spaces are complimented by two ipe wood terraces sheltered by a roof and wall trellis, more spaces for first responders to convene, unwind, or enjoy the outdoors. A green roof surrounding all the living spaces and sleeping rooms completes the building.

Strategic sequencing of spaces, including a decontamination clean room, between the bays and the office and living areas mitigate exposure to fire and ash carcinogens. On the opposite side of the bays, the hose-drying tower also serves as a training area to simulate rescues. Training opportunities continue at the exterior where the retention pond is also used to train for ice rescues. The station is also home to a storm shelter, as well as the city’s disaster emergency operations center.

Although faced with much adversity through COVID-19 and the derecho in Iowa, the Marion Fire Station Headquarters opened in June of 2021.

The fire station was designed by Cedar Rapids-based OPN Architects. This is OPN’s second AIA Iowa Excellence in Design Honor Award.

Photo Credit: Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio