Charlottesville, VA

Fontaine Fire Station

Scope of Services
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) Engineering
LEED Energy Modeling
 

The original Fontaine Fire Station, built in the 1960s, was one of three stations in Charlottesville at the time and was a relatively small department with very large responsibilities. The new station, completed in 2014, is a multi-use complex that not only modernizes and consolidates fire and rescue operations but houses administration, operations, public education, and training functions along with fire apparatus and a mechanic’s shop. The station has garnered national interest, drawing fire and rescue teams from around the country to its training programs.

2RW Project Case Study Main Image
Services

2RW provided a variety of services for this project including MEP/FP engineering, energy modeling, and LEED planning and documentation development. Sustainability-focused MEP/FP features include:

  • Efficient standing column well geothermal heating and cooling system.
  • On-site renewable energy production with a 17.7 kW photovoltaic (PV) roof-mounted system.
  • CO2-controlled dedicated ventilation.
  • A 20,000 gallon rainwater-harvesting cistern, low-flow fixtures, tankless domestic water heating system, and on-site captured rainwater for flushing toilets and washing fire apparatus.
  • Extensive natural lighting supplemented by solar tubes with facility-wide LED lighting and occupancy sensors.
  • MEP/FP systems that support “training by design” by simulating smoke and confined spaces for firefighter training.
Results
  • A modeled energy cost savings of 48%.
  • 51% reduction in potable water usage from baseline.
  • 23,827 kWh of electricity produced by solar PV system. (2017 data)
  • An Energy Use Index (EUI) of 44.99 kBtu/GSF which is approximately half the U.S. median EUI for fire stations. (2017 data)
Scope of Services
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) Engineering
LEED Energy Modeling
 

OWNER: City of Charlotteville

TIMEFRAME: 2011 – 2014

SIZE: 40,200 SF

COST: $14 million


Highlights
  • MEP/FP systems support “training by design” with built-in systems for firefighter training.
  • Excessive water at the site was used as the water source for a standing column well for the geothermal system.
  • The building automation system trends HVAC and plumbing systems to identify and detail performance issues.
  • Special environmental conditioning and lighting in exhibit area protect and highlight images of 9/11 including a steel beam from New York’s World Trade Center.
  • Received a LEED Innovation in Design point for Occupant Engagement.

Awards
  • 2018 – Leadership Award for Innovative Design, New Construction, USGBC Virginia
  • 2016 – Third Place Local Government, Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Award, VAEEC
  • 2014 – Award of Honor (Gold), F.I.E.R.O Fire Station Design Award
  • 2010 – Award of Honor (Gold) “On the Boards”, F.I.E.R.O Fire Station Design Award


Certifications
LEED Platinum