Sterling Park Safety Center

The Sterling Park Safety Center replaces Loudoun County's original 1970 fire station. Our design team balanced the county's ongoing revitalization with the volunteer firefighters' preference for traditional station aesthetics, creating a facility that honors both past and future.

Design Approach

The station combines contemporary and traditional elements. Contemporary features include a multi-story layout, an off-duty patio for firefighters, and a laser-cut metal screen that creates patterns of sunlight throughout the interior. This screen also covers exterior staircases, the patio trellis, and generator storage enclosure. Traditional elements include a fire pole and a commemorative wall built with bricks from the original 1970 building, engraved with names of past and current staff.

Site Context

Positioned between a gas station to the east and a park to the west, the station required a specific design response. The public entrance is located on the back side of the building—unusual for civic buildings. To address this, we created a pathway between the building and gas station for visitors who park out front. On the park side, the patterned metal screen makes the building recognizable while protecting stair users from wind and rain.

Future Considerations

The patio design accommodates future expansion to support continued area revitalization and urbanization. The station also includes dedicated space for displaying the county's antique ambulance.

‍