Recently Opened La Quinta Fire Station No. 32 Designed by domusstudio architecture

Nov. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Spanish Colonial-style bifold doors opened recently at
La Quinta Fire Station No. 32, the desert community’s new four-bay fire station designed by leading architects domusstudio architecture.

Featuring state-of-the-art technology and energy-efficient systems, the new station meets the needs of today’s firefighters and also fits into the character of Spanish Colonial-style La Quinta Village, according to Wayne Holtan, AIA, a principal at domusstudio architecture. The San Diego firm has a portfolio of more than half a dozen fire stations throughout Southern California.

“I am pleased with the way domusstudio architecture has pulled in design elements reflecting the old world architecture of the La Quinta Village area. They’ve done a really nice job with that,” said CALFIRE/Riverside County Fire Division Chief Dorian J. Cooley.

Among the unique features at the new fire station are bifold station doors, which open faster than traditional rollup doors.

“This is the first time our department has used bifold doors here in this county, but regionally we are starting to see them more and more in fire station design,” Cooley continued.  “The doors may cost a little more up front but they are more reliable and require less maintenance over the long term. They’ll be better operationally for us and have a better aesthetic within the community.”

Dominated by a two-story public entry tower that brings ambient light to the lobby and work areas, the building is also distinguished by a staggered red-tile roof, recessed windows and door, a smooth plaster finish and exposed rafters.

Completed on schedule, the $6.8 million project in the renowned golf community in Riverside County incorporates a 7,200-square-foot fire station as well as improvements to the neighboring City Corporate Yard, including a CNG facility and covered carports where public works equipment is parked.

La Quinta Fire Station No. 32’s domusstudio architecture design also features sustainable elements, including: photovoltaic solar panels in compliance with California Energy Code; insulated skylights that further reduce energy use; low water use landscaping; and recycled building materials.

State-of -the-art features at the new station include an exhaust gas capture system that removes cancer-causing vehicle emissions and vents them directly outside the building and a high-performance commercial “extractor” washing machine that removes poisons and carcinogens from firefighters’ protective clothing, Cooley said.

domusstudio architecture is a 24-year-old award-winning architectural design firm specializing in religious facilities, fire stations, educational buildings, senior housing and custom residential projects.

Founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates, the firm strives to enhance the lives of people through architecture, interiors, planning and service.  For more information about its projects and services, call 619-692-9393 or visit www.domusstudio.com.

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