Located in Marion, Iowa, Marion Fire Station No. 1 is a two-level, 21,200-square-foot facility designed by OPN Architects to improve emergency response times while addressing the physical and mental demands of firefighting.
The project combines an all-electric energy system, geothermal heating and cooling, a high-performance envelope, and biophilic design strategies with spaces that support firefighter health. Its sustainability approach extends from reduced energy and water use to material selection, daylight access, biodiversity, and on-site stormwater management.
The project was developed using the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and received a 2026 AIA COTE Top Ten Award.
Design strategies
The focus on well-being led to greater transparency in areas of the fire station that have historically been designed with limited access to views and natural daylight. These public spaces lead to outdoor roof terraces that provide shelter and expansive views of the surrounding agrarian landscape and residential neighborhood.
These visual and non-visual connections to nature help synchronize wake-sleep cycles, which are essential for maintaining firefighters’ cognitive performance and alertness.
A two-story apparatus bay anchors the simple plan and massing. Full-height glass doors on the north and south elevations maximize daylight and establish strong visual connections to the community the firefighters protect and serve.
To further reinforce the building’s connection to its community, the floor-to-ceiling glazed lobby extends across the north facade to form the primary first-level circulation route, mediating between a tree grove and a history wall. The light-filled space provides direct views into the apparatus bay and displays the fire department’s history, pride, and tradition.
Material choices
The material strategy combines structural wood, reduced-cement concrete mixes, and fewer interior finish materials. Exposed glued-laminated wood roof decking is used throughout the building, while the wood cladding includes Accoya, cedar, and charred shou sugi ban.
The selection of wood products contributes to the project’s lower-carbon material strategy through the storage of biogenic carbon, although the available documentation does not quantify the total amount stored.
Interior finishes were also reduced and selected for lower-impact material characteristics. The project uses biobased carpet installed without adhesives, PVC-free rubber wall bases, low-VOC finishes, and furniture without flame retardants. These choices help reduce material-related emissions and future replacement.
All-electric energy and geothermal systems
The station eliminates on-site fossil-fuel combustion through an all-electric design. A ground-source heat pump connected to a horizontal geothermal well field supplies the radiant floor heating system, including in the large apparatus bay, where electric unit heaters provide supplemental heating during peak demand.
Destratification fans improve thermal comfort in the high-volume space, while an energy recovery ventilator, variable-speed pumping, LED lighting, and daylight controls further reduce energy demand.
The roof, structure, and electrical infrastructure are prepared for a future 64 kW photovoltaic array, allowing the building's operational emissions to decline further as electricity generation becomes less carbon-intensive.
Daylight, views, and solar control
The building's massing and orientation support daylight access while controlling solar gain. South-facing glazing incorporates 40 percent frit coverage, while exterior shading systems on the south and west facades reduce solar heat gain and improve daylight quality.
The project achieves 74 percent spatial daylight autonomy in regularly occupied spaces, while 82 percent of regularly occupied areas have quality views. Operable windows in the dorm rooms provide occupants with additional environmental control.
Water, biodiversity and stormwater infrastructure
The landscape restores elements of the native prairie through grasses, tree groves, and sedum green roofs that support pollinators. The planting strategy does not require a permanent irrigation system.
A retention pond, bioswale, and dry detention basin manage runoff while also supporting water quality and maintaining wildlife corridors connected to the surrounding agrarian landscape.
Fritted glazing at key fly-through areas also contributes to a bird-friendly site, while denser fritting on south-facing glass combines bird protection with solar control.
Flexible spaces and long-term use
Although the project does not involve adaptive reuse, several spaces perform more than one function. The classroom also serves as an ICC 500-compliant community storm shelter and emergency operations center, while the hose-drying tower doubles as a technical training stair and connects to a training mezzanine.
The main circulation space combines reception, circulation, and a display of the fire department's history. This multifunctional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated spaces and associated construction materials.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cancer and cardiac arrest are leading causes of death among firefighters. Strategic sequencing of spaces, including a decontamination area between the apparatus bays and the office and living areas, helps mitigate exposure to carcinogens associated with fire and ash. This focus on firefighters’ physical well-being extends to the fitness room, a daylit space overlooking the apparatus bay, and a green roof.
In response to the chief’s challenge to design a station that reduces PTSD in firefighters, biophilic elements — including natural materials, daylight, views, access to the outdoors, and circadian rhythm-based lighting — are intended to support firefighters' well-being, reduce stress, and promote alertness and cognitive performance.
