Northwest Consolidated Fire District Station 13

Sunflower Fire Station No. 13 is a new, 19,350 square foot fire station operated by Northwest Consolidated Fire District, and serving the city of De Soto, Kansas.  The previously undeveloped, 9.3 acre site in Southeast Johnson County was selected based on proximity to a new battery production plant, in anticipation of its unique potential for firefighting needs, as well as expected commercial and residential growth in the area. The design team was also tasked with bringing offsite utility and roadway infrastructure to the station.

Functionally, the station is designed to support 24/7 operations, fire administration, a conference / classroom, and integrated onsite training. The station also houses the county’s ambulance service. With the primary focus being the safety and well-being of the first responders it serves, Sunflower was designed with a keen emphasis on the quality of the working environment, emergency procedures, gear sterilization, and protection of the living environment from airborne contaminants; this is achieved by creating effective architectural and mechanical transitional areas between occupational ‘high hazard’ zones such as the apparatus bay, and ‘low hazard’ zones or living/administrative office areas. In addition, the station minimizes travel distance from living areas to the apparatus, and provides clear separation of functions: operations, administration, and public intake/visitors.

Gender-neutral, single-use toilet/shower rooms and shared bunk/locker rooms provide flexibility to accommodate future growth without bias. The communal living spaces are designed to be a second home for first responders, featuring finishes with commercial durability but residential look and feel, and the ability to fine-tune temperature, lighting, and daylight. Communal living areas provide opportunities for socialization, while the bunk and shower rooms provide privacy, noise control, and respite.