A fire station built with wood
It is a common fear that timber buildings add fuel to the fire. A town near Hamburg has a compelling response to this concern: Reinbek Fire Services have used wood for the construction of their fire station.
People who think modern timber buildings are more dangerous than conventional structures due to fire concerns are literally barking up the wrong tree. This is because fire safety regulations for multi-storey timber buildings are the same as for conventional constructions. And also because when wood burns, a charred layer forms on the surface. Consequently, the core of a structural part is given prolonged protection against burning through. Nevertheless, this is one prejudice against timber construction that persists with considerable tenacity. The best argument for dispelling this objection once and for all is in the German town of Reinbek, whose newly built fire station is made with timber.
When firefighters are asked if they would rather enter a burning house made of steel/concrete or one made of wood, it is an easy choice. Timber’s self-protection in the event of fire makes it much easier to calculate how wood burns, especially compared to conventional materials. Therefore, firefighters regard timber houses as being much safer.
Nevertheless, building contractor and architect Kathrin Zur-Lage confirms that it was a challenge to use wood for a fire station. Reactions to the competition bid included: “Are you crazy? You can’t build a fire station out of wood!” The response by the planning team at Hamburg-Eimsbüttel district council was a convincing “Yes, we can!”.
Everyone involved with the project is now especially proud of their accomplishment. Not least because it won the Timber Construction Award from Schleswig-Holstein/Hamburg in 2024.
Timber frame on concrete base
And even though it doesn’t look like it from the outside, the new building for Reinbek’s volunteer firefighters has a timber frame with reinforced concrete base. The wood is plain to see inside the building and on the projecting canopy. “Visible columns and beams made of glued laminated timber plus wall and ceiling elements made of cross-laminated timber give the interior its distinct character and enable the building to come alive as a timber construction,” explain the architects from Berlin-based Rimpau Bauer Derveaux.
Visible columns and beams made of glued laminated timber plus wall and ceiling elements made of cross-laminated timber give the interior its distinct character and enable the building to come alive as a timber construction.
Rimpau Bauer Derveaux, architects
The rectangular plot of land is divided into two linked L-shaped units. Exterior areas created by this design were split into different zones – the forecourt, place of assembly, delivery area and parking space. The entrance and exit were positioned specifically to retain the old oak trees along the road leading up to the fire station.
With a total gross floor area of 3,600 square metres, the two units have very separate functions. The west section houses the vehicle depot with twelve parking spaces, workshop, washing facilities and warehouse. The east section has two storeys with the administration wing and the training/recreation areas.
Wood shortens construction time
As the two sections have different weights, the construction methods were adapted accordingly. While the walls in the west section are made of cross-laminated timber, the east section uses a timber frame. The roof construction extends across the entire building, only interrupted by skylights.
“Glulam beams structure the spacious hall and support the striking, projecting canopy,” the architects observe.
Glulam beams structure the spacious hall and support the striking, projecting canopy.
Rimpau Bauer Derveaux, architects
Another prejudice sometimes associated with timber construction is that it makes building more costly and time-consuming. But actually, the complete opposite was true here.
Short assembly time is one of the biggest advantages of modern timber construction. The individual construction parts are prefabricated with pinpoint accuracy on the basis of a digital twin. This enables them to be assembled rapidly once they reach the construction site. And Reinbek fire station was no different.
Voluntary and climate-friendly
When the glass accordion doors open and the vehicles are driven out on their next assignment, then the whole operation is protecting the environment as well as humans and animals.
First and foremost, building with wood is a clear commitment to fulfilling the climate goals. This is vitally important in the construction industry and real estate sector due to the fact that they cause 38 percent of global CO2 emissions, according to a report by the United Nations.
This new fire station is a good example of how to help in times of need. Or as the architects say: “With the use of predominantly natural and recyclable materials, an extensive greened roof, rainwater retention and resource-friendly building technology, this project aims to adopt a pioneering role for sustainability in Reinbek.”
Text: Gertraud Gerst
Translation: Rosemary Bridger-Lippe
Photos: David Hiepler