In the German municipality of Straubenhardt, near the Black Forest region, a distinctive and contemporary fire station houses six formerly independent firefighting units in one strategic location. Designed by Stuttgart-based architectural studio wulf architekten, the new station embraces circular construction and sustainable planning in line with the “Cradle to Cradle” cycle principle. The fire station is one of the first Cradle to Cradle public buildings in Germany.
Separation and stacking of functional levels
The project’s elemental design concept incorporates the separation and stacking of individual functional levels, as well as the utilisation of the site’s sloping terrain. As a result, the sealed soil surface was minimised, improving water infiltration, supporting biodiversity, and helping prevent erosion.
The fire station’s almost 4,000-square-metre structure seamlessly blends into the surrounding topography. Its massive concrete plinth is cut into the slope, while the north-facing facade opens onto the street. On the inside is a garage for firefighting vehicles, the facilities required for operations, storage areas, and technical facilities.
Above this, an open-air intermediate level features two atriums and provides views across the surrounding landscape. Serving as both a parking deck and a space for events, it is accessed via an external ramp.
An elevated wooden structure sits above the intermediate level, its facade a uniform expanse of white expanded metal. The facade’s design contributes to ventilation and daylight filtration, enhancing the comfort of interior spaces. This wooden structure houses classrooms, office areas, and other shared spaces. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements, integrated with layers of mineral wool insulation, are used in the structure’s walls and ceilings.
A drill tower completes the building’s functional layout.
“The stacking of the different functional zones is clearly recognisable from the outside, creating a distinctive appearance that establishes a strong identity,” says wulf architekten.
A valuable material resource
The design incorporates recyclable materials that contain minimal harmful substances and can be easily separated for reuse upon the dismantling of the fire station, transforming the building into a valuable source of raw materials and future resources. A digital passport documents all materials and information pertaining to disassembly.
Setting an example
Straubenhardt town is setting an example for other cities and towns by implementing measures to conserve resources. The town is following the lead of the German government in driving forward the circular economy in the construction sector, such as using a digital building circularity passport.
The fire station serves as a sustainable and healthy building for the entire community — the junior fire department is also housed here, with space available for vacation courses and public events.
