Located at the center of Lajen, on a sloping site between the kindergarten, daycare, and playground, the new fire station establishes a public facility that integrates harmoniously into the village fabric. Shaped by the existing topography and clearly defined against the green space behind it, the building responds sensitively to its surroundings.
The project originated from an invited architectural competition and was developed in close collaboration with the municipal administration and representatives of the volunteer fire brigade. The aim was to create a functional and sustainable structure that contributes to the identity of the place. The resulting building is derived directly from organization and function, pragmatic and clear in its architectural language, while distinctly embedded within the village’s green setting.
Horizontal walls emerging from the slope structure the terrain and follow the natural contours of the landscape. This linear composition is complemented by a vertical element—the hose tower—which acts as a clear urban marker. As a counterpoint to the predominantly horizontal building, it mediates between the open landscape and the denser fabric of the village center.
Anchored firmly in the terrain, the building conveys a sense of security and permanence. It embodies protection, reliability, and readiness - qualities expressed both in its function and architectural language. The structure is solid and reduced to its essentials, with its strong presence reinforced by the deliberate use of exposed concrete. The material incorporates locally sourced quartz porphyry aggregates from Lajen, lightly bush-hammered and left in a raw state.
The operational spaces of the volunteer fire brigade are efficiently organized below ground. These include five vehicle bays with corresponding parking areas, storage rooms, a hose-washing facility, radio and command rooms, as well as training and lounge spaces with associated sanitary facilities. The layout follows a clear operational logic, ensuring short distances and maximum clarity in emergency situations.
Integration into the topography allows the roof to serve as a publicly accessible playground, adding a valuable social dimension to the building. A raised edge provides fall protection while clearly defining the children’s area. Access is provided from three points, reinforcing the building’s role as an integral part of village life.
The Lajen fire station is thus more than a purely functional structure: it is a place for community and association. It represents civic responsibility, architectural clarity, and a deep understanding of context. The project demonstrates how pragmatic requirements can give rise to a confident, identity-forming public building, one that not only provides protection, but also articulates a clear relationship to landscape, space, and people.
