As part of the programming exercise, we are evaluating the dormitory and changing room configuration. Henrico Division of Fire desires to explore individual bunkroom options to facilitate stronger sleeping patterns for fire fighters. A known serious risk for fire fighters is sleep deprivation as normal sleeping patterns are often interrupted alert notifications. The apparatus bay layout – currently three drive-through bays – is also being re-evaluated to identify a more efficient use of space. We are evaluating several options including two full and two half bays, as well as five half bays to determine the optimum layout that addresses current needs as well as potential future requirements.

Turn out time is the critical response ingredient with respect to a functional fire house design. Per NFPA 1710 paragraph 4.1.2.1 (2), the Fire Department shall establish the following objectives (2) 80 seconds for Turnout Time for fire and special operations response and 60 seconds Turnout Time for EMS response. The goal for Turnout Time established by Henrico Division of Fire is under 60 seconds. The new prototype will be configured to support this goal.

Public engagement was very important to the client, as the project was the first for a newly elected County Supervisor. Key concerns of the neighbors included the aesthetic style of the firehouse, noise, landscape screening, and response paths. Subsequent presentations to the community focused on their key concerns with detailed landscape screening discussions and diagrams to show setbacks and response paths. BKV Group matched the materials and basic style of the surrounding neighborhood, taking special care to break up the massing, and brought physical samples of proposed materials to allow the neighbors to see firsthand how they matched those in their own houses.