Concrete Masonry Can Take the Heat

Concrete masonry is one of the most predominant building materials for construction of fire stations, primarily because of its outstanding fire ratings. While being a highly economical choice, the additional characteristics of durability, energy efficiency and low maintenance make concrete masonry units a preferred building material for fire stations.

Alpena Combat Fire Readiness Station
Alpena, Michigan

A 22,000 square foot (1980 sq m) Combat Fire Readiness Station is the newest addition to the Air National Guard Base in Alpena, Michigan. The base is a military training facility for visiting squadrons from across the United States. The base also offers support functions to Alpena County such as fire fighting for aircraft and structure fires.

The Readiness Station was constructed of approximately 15,000 concrete masonry units that were 4" (100 mm) and 8" (200 mm) high. Light red, smooth faced units were used on the majority of the exterior, while accent stripes were created through the use of dark red, smooth and split faced units. The color scheme worked with the texture and block selection to achieve the low maintenance exterior desired by the client. Another reason why concrete masonry units were chosen for this project was because of their aesthetic and functional qualities. The wall system and decorative arrangement of the masonry textures and colors has influenced the design of other structures on the base.

A unique roof-framing design diverts snow and water runoff from the
12 apparatus bay doors and protects the doors from large work vehicles. The entire project took one year to complete and cost approximately US $4,300,000.

Alpena Combat Fire Readiness Station — Alpena, Michigan

Architect:
Alexander V. Bogaerts & Associates, Gaylord, Michigan
Contractor:
DeVere Construction, Alpena, Michigan
Masonry Contractor:
Boettcher Masonry, Traverse City, Michigan
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
4D, Inc., Midland, Michigan

Croswell Fire Department
Croswell, Michigan

The Croswell Fire Department was completed in March 1999 after nearly five months of construction. The US $478,000 building houses fire equipment, a training and meeting room, kitchen and fire hall.

Approximately 5000 concrete products were used to construct the 7596 square feet (684 sq m) fire department. The project used 8" (200 mm) and 12" (300 mm) mauve split face and 8" (200 mm) mauve single scored, smooth face concrete products. Integrally colored masonry and single scored, smooth face units created a large accent band around the upper portion of the building. Building windows were highlighted with smooth face units.

The City of Croswell chose concrete products for the fire department because of its low maintenance costs and longevity. Split face concrete products were also used on the nearby Department of Public Works building. Concrete masonry is the building material of choice for future government buildings in the neighboring industrial park.

Croswell Fire Department — Croswell, Michigan

Architect:
Elten Engineering, Port Huron, Michigan
Contractor:
Jerry Bartow, Lexington, Michigan
Masonry Contractor:
B&L Masonry, Yale, Michigan
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
Theut Products Inc., Romeo, Michigan

Fire Station No. 2
Morrisville, North Carolina

Fire Station No. 2 of Morrisville, North Carolina is a display of the unique design beauty made available by concrete masonry construction. The exterior of the building is constructed of 17,000 4" x 4" x 16" (100 mm x 100 mm x 400 mm) brickstone veneer in colonial creme and pecan. Approximately 13,000 lightweight concrete masonry units in 8" (200 mm) and 12" (300 mm) were used as reinforced masonry backup.

One of the reasons for choosing concrete masonry units for this project was because of the beautiful aesthetics it adds to the structure. Other deciding factors were the durability and low maintenance qualities inherent in concrete masonry building materials. The Northampton 911 and Emergency Management Center was influenced by this project and will be constructed with the same type of concrete masonry units.

Fire Station No. 2 was constructed in nine months and completed in 1999. The building is 8715 square feet (784 sq m) and the entire project cost was approximately US $1,024,000.

Fire Station No. 2 — Morrisville, North Carolina

Architect:
Surapon Sujjavanich Architect PA, Apex, North Carolina
Contractor:
Patriot Building Co., Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina
Masonry Contractor:
Carolton T. Whitmore Masonry Contractors, Mebane, North Carolina
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
Adams Products Company, Morrisville, North Carolina

Menomonee Falls Fire Station No. 4
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Concrete masonry units were chosen for the Menomonee Falls Fire Station No. 4 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin for its beauty, durability, economy and energy efficiency. The 8400 square foot (756 sq m) station contains approximately 14,150 lightweight, 3,000 decorative and 760 vertically scored concrete masonry units.

Building detail was created by 4" (100 mm) veneer units, 16" x 16"
(400 mm x 400 mm) split face and 8" x 8" (200 mm x 200 mm) spectra glazed units. Placing a single, vertical score in the glazed masonry units resulted in an attractive 8" x 8" pattern. The exterior walls are "cavity walls" with 8" back-up and 3 inches (76 mm) of rigid polystyrene insulation.

Concrete masonry architecture was used on the bell tower to frame the main entrance of the fire station. The dramatic use of charcoal and red provides an eye-catching display.

Menomonee Falls Fire Station No. 4 — Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Architect:
Fischer-Fischer-Theis, Inc., Waukehsa, Wisconsin
General Contractor:
A.J. Heinen, Inc., New Berlin, Wisconsin
Masonry Contractor:
Lloyd S. Hamm, Inc., Muskego, Wisconsin
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
Best Block Company, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

The New Berlin Fire Station No. 1 in New Berlin, Wisconsin was constructed in just 8 months at a cost of US $700,000. The 11,900 square foot (1071 sq m) building includes a large apparatus bay for twelve pieces of equipment, a hose tower, a day room, a dormitory, a kitchen, two offices and other ancillary spaces.

Concrete masonry units were chosen for this project because of their inherent qualities: aesthetically pleasing, durable, economical, readily available and fire- resistant. Split face units in light tan were used on the exterior of the building. Smooth face units created horizontal ribbons, which accent the exterior walls. Concrete masonry units in 4" x 8" x 16" (100 mm x 200 mm x 400 mm) were used with a 4 inch (100 mm) air space or cavity and 8"
(200 mm) block back-up.

A dramatically designed hose tower on the front of the building lends a monastery feel to the building. Split face concrete masonry units and glass block work well together to add simple yet effective dimensions to the project.

The architecture of the New Berlin Fire Station No. 1 influenced the design and construction of the recently completed New Berlin Public Safety Building that stands adjacent to it. Although the color on the two projects are different, the styles are complementary.

New Berlin Fire Station No. 1 — New Berlin, Wisconsin

Architect:
Fischer-Fischer-Theis, Inc., Waukesha, Wisconsin
General Contractor:
Siesel Construction Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Masonry Contractor:
Keystone Masonry, Germantown, Wisconsin
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
Waukesha Block, Waukehsa, Wisconsin

Terre Hill Fire House
Terre Hill, Pennsylvania

A steel building with a concrete masonry base was the first consideration for the Terre Hill Fire House. According to Jim Eberly, chairman of the building committee, "We decided the building would look better with block and it would be more durable. Our goal was to have an attractive, cost-effective building and we were happy with our decision to use concrete masonry."

Tom Weaver, architect, was also pleased with the aesthetics of concrete masonry. He had worked with concrete masonry previously around his house and liked the color and finish options available. The building was designed with split and smooth face concrete units in chocolate brown, sandstone brown and buff tan to add unique design elements while keeping within the same color scheme. "I feel we created an attractive building that is going to last a long time," stated Tom.

Approximately 4300 concrete masonry units were used to construct this US $300,000 project. The first floor is 5008 square feet (450 sq m) and the second floor is 1900 square feet (171 sq m). The Terre Hill Fire House was completed in 1995 after eight months of construction.

Terre Hill Fire House — Terre Hill, Pennsylvania

Architect:
Thomas L. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Contractor:
Weaver Construction, East Earl, Pennsylvania
Masonry Contractor:
Robert S. Weaver Masonry, New Providence, Pennsylvania
Concrete Masonry Unit Supplier:
New Holland Concrete, New Holland, Pennsylvania

Besser Company, 801 Johnson Street, Alpena, MI 49707 USA , 989.354.4111

email: sales@besser.com

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