OPN Architects

Marion Fire Station No. 1

Marion Fire Station No. 1 

OPN Architects

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

ARCHITECTS
OPN Architects

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Landon Burg

ARCHITECT
Andru Meiners

SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR
Tate Walker

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
Mindy Sorg

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Erica Steapp

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
M2b Engineers

LEAD DESIGNER
David Sorg

CONTRACTOR
Cci Group

MANUFACTURERS
Firestone Building Products, Interface, Accoya Charred Siding (Shou Sugi Ban), Allsteel, Armstrong, Assa Abloy, Big River Cast Stone, Brentano, Door Engineering, Dras Cases, Hay, Hermann Miller, Johnsonite, Lock-deck Laminated Decking, Loll Designs, Ppg, Prosoco, Tsf Structures, Tarket

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Chad Schumacher

PROGRAM / USE / BUILDING FUNCTION
Fire Station

PHOTOGRAPHS
Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

AREA 
21214 M²

YEAR
2021

LOCATION
Marion, United States

CATEGORY
Fire Station

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

This two-level 21,200-square-foot fire station in a rapidly growing community reduces response time, establishes a strong and transparent civic presence, and uses biophilic design principles to support firefighters' physical and mental wellness.

A two-story apparatus bay anchors the plan and massing. Full-height glass doors on both the north and south elevation maximize daylight and establish a connection to the community.

Extending east, shou sugi ban wood, which is charred using controlled fire, wraps the living and office spaces to add depth, texture, and contrast with the smooth plane of the glass.

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

Interior spaces are complemented by two ipe wood terraces sheltered by a roof and wall trellis. A green roof surrounds all the living areas and sleeping rooms.

The lobby is stretched to become the primary first-level circulation; it mediates between a tree grove and a history wall.

This welcoming, light-filled space allows direct views into the apparatus bay and displays the fire department’s rich history, pride, and tradition.

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

Strategic sequencing of spaces, including a decontamination area, between the bays and the office and living areas mitigate exposure to fire and ash carcinogens to protect the fire fighters' health.

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.

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

The living areas, wrapped in full-height glazing with exposed wood ceilings, include a full kitchen, a large family-style table, and a TV and gaming area to ensure the firefighters have a variety of space types to relax and recharge.

Circadian rhythm-based lighting is used throughout to ensure the firefighter's wake-sleep cycle is synchronized with natural light while escalating alarms reduce physiological and psychological stress upon waking.

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio

The implementation of biophilic principles is having a profound effect on the firefighters' well-being, including stress reduction and increased awareness and cognitive ability.

Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
Marion Fire Station No. 1
© Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio


Marion Fire Station No. 1
Marion Fire Station No. 1
Marion Fire Station No. 1


Marion Fire Station No. 1
Daylighting
Marion Fire Station No. 1
Floor Plans


Marion Fire Station No. 1
Initial Concept Sketch


Marion Fire Station No. 1
Site Map
Marion Fire Station No. 1
Site Plan

OPN Architects
T +1 319 3636018
OPN Architects
301 N Broom St, Madison, WI 53703, United States