The quality standards achieved on the finished building far exceeded the SSFRA's expectationsPeter Dartford,
Chief Executive Fire Officer
This fire station was one of five built for Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority under a PFI contract. This new purpose-built station was designed with state of the art operational facilities to allow integration within the community by way of its dedicated community facilities. Due to it being a “whole time” fire station, they are equipped to accommodate 24 hour crews as well as retained and student fire fighters. Community groups are able to use the facilities and the stations are equipped to allow for more community activities to take place, such as student fire-fighter courses.
Before construction could commence thousands of tonnes of fill material, much of which was recycled aggregate, had to be imported to raise the overall ground level by approximately one and a half metres. This was necessary to ensure that the site was suited to the levels of the adjacent road network.
In the early stages of the contract, a previously unknown surface water sewer was discovered. Thanks to the expertise of the team, this was successfully diverted with the minimum of disruption to the programme.
The building itself is of steel frame construction with a variety of cladding solutions including brick, curtain walling, and rain screen systems. The station utilises a grey water system (harvesting rain water for use within the building) and also features a sprinkler system.
The site is located on the playing fields of one school and immediately adjacent to another primary school, so being a good neighbour was essential to the success of the project. The contract attained a “Performance Beyond Compliance Certificate” from the Considerate Constructors Scheme which demonstrates the success in managing this complex project whilst minimising disruption to the surroundings.
Role
- Civil Engineering Design and Detailing
Client
SSFRA
Contractor
Stepnell
Architect
Blue Sky Architects and 3D Reid
Project Description
A new purpose-built Fire Station, built for Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
