This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Situated in the southeastern Coachella Valley on the banks of the Salton Sea, Fire Station 41 exemplifies excellence and durability in the harsh Mojave Desert climate. Built more than 50 years ago, the initial station was smaller than 1,000 sq. ft., lacking adequate living space and an apparatus bay. The need for a new station became urgent because of damage from seasonal thunderstorms and the potential for lithium-ion mining operations.
Designed to last more than 50 years, the new station boasts a modern mid-century design, reflecting the community’s historical roots and prioritizing energy efficiency. It’s designed for long-term weather resistance, minimal upkeep and future expansion. Materials were selected for their resilience to the area’s extreme temperatures, which often exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. Swisspearl fiber cement paneling on the exterior reduces solar heat gain, to maintain a cooler interior. The structure minimizes direct sunlight by 85 percent yet allows ambient light through numerous windows…