Modern Efficiency and Safety

by Stacy Rinella | August 13, 2024 7:04 am

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Nestled strategically within the bustling activity of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama stands the new Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station, a testament to modern architectural and functional design.

This facility spans an impressive 1,672 m² (18,000 sf) and serves as a critical hub for emergency response on the airport’s airfield. Designed by Dorsey Architects Inc., the team has not just delivered a building but also a symbol of assurance and readiness—a facility poised to safeguard both lives and operations at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport for years to come.

 

Indispensable IMPs

The exterior of the ARFF Station makes a bold statement with its choice of materials and design elements. Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) are a prime example. They play a crucial role in modern metal architecture due to their exceptional thermal performance, durability, and aesthetic versatility. Their robust construction offers high resistance to weather, fire, and impact, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. Additionally, IMPs come in various colors, finishes, and profiles, allowing architects to create visually striking and unique designs. This combination of functionality and aesthetics makes IMPs an indispensable element in sustainable and innovative architectural projects, like this ARFF Station.

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The demand for insulated panels continues to grow nationally across markets. Not only do they offer a sustainable design for building owners, architects, and contractors, but IMPs also offer excellent R-Value with an energy-efficient design. IMPs can help save money and precious time. Their lightweight features and fewer structural supports can make assembly faster and installation easier, ultimately helping to trim labor costs.

 

Superior insulation

The 2,601 m² (28,000 sf) of exterior panel facing features G90 galvanized-coated steel, ensuring durability and resistance to the elements. The panels are embossed, adding texture and depth to the sleek surfaces that complement the existing terminal’s aesthetics.

The core of the Formawall Insulated Composite panels consists of continuously poured polyisocyanurate foam plastic, providing superior insulation with a density of 1.2 kg per m³ (0.075 lb per cf). This construction not only enhances energy efficiency but also reinforces the building’s structural integrity.

Inside, the interior liner maintains the same high standards as G90 galvanized coated painted steel, offering both strength and a clean, professional finish. The color palette chosen—9947 “Gray Velvet” and 9946 “Silversmith”—harmonizes with the surroundings and contributes to the facility’s modern appeal.

 

Carefully crafted space

The ARFF Station is not merely a structural feat but a carefully planned space designed to optimize emergency response capabilities. The facility houses four apparatus bays dedicated to ARFF vehicles, strategically positioned for quick access to the taxiways and runways. This ensures rapid response times, which are crucial for handling emergencies both on the airfield and near the terminal.

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Beyond the apparatus bays, the station encompasses essential operational and living spaces. A mechanical exhaust system is integrated to meet the specific requirements of ARFF vehicles, ensuring a safe environment for both equipment and personnel. Additionally, the facility includes a well-appointed kitchen/dining area, day room, sleeping quarters, watch office, administration offices, training room, conference room, general storage, exercise room, turn-around gear area with lockers, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant restrooms with showers, study areas, and a storm shelter area.

 

Operations integration

Strategically located amidst the airport’s infrastructure, the ARFF Station enhances overall operational efficiency. Its proximity to the taxiways and runways enables swift responses to emergencies, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to safety and security. The design’s curved, sloped roofs and sleek clerestory glass not only enhance the station’s aesthetics but also symbolize its modernity and functionality.

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The new ARFF Station at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport exemplifies the fusion of contemporary design and operational excellence. From its robust exterior panels to its thoughtfully designed interior spaces, every aspect of the facility serves a crucial purpose in supporting emergency response efforts.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/modern-efficiency-and-safety/

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