Laytonsville Fire Department
Accomplishments
Firehouse Station Design Awards – Bronze
The Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department consists of an extensive interior renovation and 3,200 SF addition to the existing operations, living, and administration spaces. The project was completed while the station was fully occupied. The original station, built in 1966, no longer provided sufficient space or functionality for the department. Shortcomings of the old station included fitness equipment being located in the kitchen. The growing demand for service called for larger and more efficient operations and living spaces. Minimal upgrades were required for the existing apparatus bay, consisting of a new vehicle exhaust system and a new roof. The completed building features a prominent lobby displaying the department’s historic fire equipment, visible to the passing community and visitors entering the station. Special attention was paid to the overall form and proportion of the completed design by using low, shingled roofs to tie into the historical context of the community.
New spaces include an inviting kitchen and dining room with commercial appliances, outdoor patio, a day room designed to comfortably seat 13, and a conference room for 18 people. The design also accommodates two operations offices, restrooms, watch office/command center, fitness center, lockers, 4 private showers with janitorial storage, and space for 14 bunks and 4 private dorm rooms. Spaces were carefully organized around existing bearing walls and structural components to create safe and efficient response paths to the apparatus bay while maintaining station privacy and security. This newly configured space serves the career and volunteer members of the department by providing a more efficient space for daily operations and emergency response. The completed addition ties into the existing apparatus bay facade – which was modified several years ago – to create an 11,500 SF fire station for the town of Laytonsville, Maryland and Montgomery County Fire Rescue.
