The proposed new fire station of a 557-acre master-planned community called Wolf Creek, in Temecula, posed many challenges to its designer.
Plans for the 8,500-sqare-foot station called for a low structural profile and unique features such as decorative stone, attractive entryways, concrete tile roofing, and canopies — all needed to help the station fit in with the styling of the development. The plans also had to suit three fire truck bays, eight sleeping dorms, two offices, a kitchen, an exterior storage building, two above-ground fuel tanks, a patio, and needed superior structural integrity.
The project architect, G.V. Salts, sought a solution that would adhere to the strict aesthetic requirements of the community while also enabling a fast and cost-efficient installation.
"I recommended Dynastructure for this project — a tubular steel framing system from Allied Tube & Conduit-Construction Division. I knew the need to prioritize construction quality, speed and cost along with the aesthetics required for structures within community developments," said Salts.
An owner of STK Architecture in Temecula, Salts has used the system to erect 10 other Southern California fire stations in the past five years.
Pre-FabThe process was expedited by Dynastructure's prefabricated trusses, roof panels and wall panels with door and window openings, which were delivered to the site ready to bolt together. In-line galvanized steel tubing with studs welded to the frame and bolted connections integrated into the foundation will protect the fire station from fire, mold and pests.
"The frame for the new fire station in Wolf Creek went up in just two weeks," said Mayra De La Torre, senior engineer for city of Temecula. "With traditional framing methods, the process takes much longer. We were able to get all of the subcontractors in faster, saving us time and money." R.C. Construction Services, Inc. is the general contractor. They began the project in late September 2006, and will be finished in early June 2007.
The structure is also rated Type II-FR and seismic zone 4, meeting or exceeding California's most stringent engineering requirements. The finished shell's lack of interior load-bearing posts or walls is what allowed significant design flexibility.
"Overall, the advantage in using this system is that it not only facilitated the quick installation, but it gave superior structural integrity and freedom of design flexibility," added Salts.
Editor's Note: Information provided by Allied Tube & Conduit Construction Division — www.dynastructure.com.
