Fire Station Vierschach

The fire station of Vierschach is located 1130m above sea level in the upper Val Pusteria.

Its color does not only follow function, but also underlines the building’s sovereignty in a heterogenous setting. Sitting at the interface of two different altitudes, the volume creates a diverse sequence of exterior spaces, resulting from the plot’s natural slope. Consistently being used by the saloon on the upper and the vehicle hall on the lower level, those spaces are additionally connected with an exterior staircase integrated into the concrete structure.

As an economic yet durable construction was requested, we wanted to achieve the highest possible rate of completion with only the raw structure being finished. This was one of the reasons to choose constructive light-weight concrete as the main material throughout the fire station. Considering the users’ needs, there are three different climate zones inside, supported by different wall thicknesses without further insulation.

Among the few necessary interior works contrasting the concrete, local stone pine and handcrafted loden fabrics were used to create a cozy parlor atmosphere in the saloon, a meeting point for the fire(wo)men as well as for the villagers.