Fire Station Compound

The construction of the new light rail in Tel Aviv has made it necessary to relocate Tel Aviv’s old fire station that stands in its path. The new fire station, designed by Rosenfeld Arens Architects Ltd, is built on the tip of Ibn Gabirol st, in northern Tel-Aviv.

Two main principles have led the design process: functionality and efficiency. Functionality-wise, the predominant purpose of our design was to create an easy pathway out of the station. Efficiency-wise, the purpose was to create an ecological, energy-efficient, self-sustaining complex, especially in light of the fact that the compound is exposed to the sun from all directions.

The irregular geometry of the lot forced us to think creatively about the placement of the main building. After we considered several options, The final placement of the building was chosen to facilitate an easy entry point and an easy exit point, which in turn enables efficient traffic fluidity. In terms of ecological construction, the second floor was covered with an aluminum shading device, in order to generate a natural shading solution that is both ecological and energy efficient.

The aluminum shading device, or “Aluminum expanded mesh”, was tailored by  “GRADHERMETIC” company, especially to our needs. The aluminum mesh became an integral part of the design of the building creating different light patterns throughout the day. The final result consists of a simple elongated box that is covered by an elegant laced-like golden fabric.

Parallel to the main building in the complex a second structure was built called “The Firefighter House”. The firefighter’s house is dedicated to leisure, training, and housing the firefighters. It contains a swimming pool, a gym, and a few lecture rooms. A 3^rd building will be built in the future along the entry road, and it will serve as a museum dedicated to the firefighting service. It will contain a memorial room and an exhibition space open to the public.