Location: Dutch Settlement, Nova Scotia

Client: Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)

Architect: DSRA Architecture Inc.

Certifications: LEED Canada NC Silver

Size: 4,500 sq. ft.

Project Budget: N/A

The new Dutch Settlement Fire Station replaces an ageing fire station in the community with an updated building meeting current codes and reducing energy usage.  It includes a 3 truck apparatus bay, offices, kitchen, training room and workout room.  

M&R Engineering was responsible for mechanical design including HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection as well as electrical design including Lighting, Power, Communications and Security and energy modelling. 

Key Facts: 

• High Efficiency Building Envelope including R-20 continuous insulation walls (sandwich panel) and R-40 roof.
• Water-to-water and water-to-air heat pumps are connected to a vertical bore-hole geothermal field.
• In-floor heating is installed throughout the facility to provide a comfortable environment and reduce energy use.
• Two heat recovery ventilators (HRV) provides ventilation to the office areas and apparatus bay.
• A rainwater harvesting system stores water in an underground tank and provides both potable and non-potable water for the facility.
• Tie-in was provided for a future emergency generator.
• Occupancy sensors are installed to control lighting.
• A life-cycle costing study was performed to be used as a basis for future fire station designs within the municipality.  The study evaluated building envelope and HVAC systems.
• The energy model indicated 59% savings against the energy code (1997 MNECB).