MERIT AWARD

Represents superior accomplishment in the profession of landscape architecture.

Salt Lake City Fire Station #14

Project Location – Salt Lake City, Utah

Date Completed – May 2018

PROJECT STATEMENT

The Landscape Architects were able to take the project goals of efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability and integrate the same principles into the surrounding landscape on this LEEDS Gold project. The Landscape Architects worked with the design team to address these needs and create a space that optimized resources while creating an interesting and artistic landscape for the fire fighters that work there and the local community that live and work nearby. Care was taken to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and integrate the architecture into the landscape. In a new age of conservancy and efficiency, Salt Lake City Fire Station #14 stands out as the first “net zero” fire station in the country and has set the standard for municipal and commercial buildings in the area.

PROJECT NARRATIVE

Salt Lake City Fire Station #14, a LEED Gold-certified "net zero" fire station, showcases a sustainable and efficient design approach. Located on a 1.3-acre site, the station features a water-efficient landscape designed to minimize water consumption and maximize occupant well-being.

Key landscape features include:

  • Water-wise plantings: Utilizing drought-tolerant plants and minimizing turfgrass significantly reduces water usage, projected to save the equivalent of 64 fire trucks of water annually.

  • Sustainable materials: The use of stone mulch, low-maintenance sedum, and durable materials like decorative stone blocks and steel planters minimizes maintenance needs and enhances the overall aesthetic.

  • Stormwater management: An on-site retention basin helps reduce the burden on city stormwater systems and recharge the aquifer.

  • Enhanced microclimate: Strategic tree placement and the elimination of turfgrass help reduce heat absorption and create a more comfortable environment for firefighters.

  • Pollinator habitat: The inclusion of pollinator-friendly plants supports local biodiversity.

  • Outdoor amenity: A fenced-in area with a table and BBQ provides a comfortable outdoor space for firefighters.

Fire Station #14 demonstrates the successful integration of sustainability principles into a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. This project serves as a model for future fire stations in the city and highlights the crucial role of landscape architecture in achieving net-zero goals.