The Hawke’s Bay Airport Fire Station replaces an aging facility with a resilient, future-ready post-disaster hub. Designed as an Importance Level 4 building, it ensures operational continuity during extreme events while reflecting the airport’s commitment to sustainability and regional identity. The building responds to the internal spatial needs of fire operations, translating functionality into a stripped-back, durable form that is visually grounded in the Hawke’s Bay landscape.
Mass timber construction (CLT, Glulam, LVL) and low-carbon concrete significantly reduce embodied carbon, while exposed timber interiors celebrate structure and minimize applied finishes. The building form—a wedge-shaped volume—is informed by internal program requirements and references the historic islands of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, connecting architecture to local history and ecology. Roof geometry optimizes solar panel orientation for a 60 kW PV system while avoiding aircraft glare, supporting the airport’s 100% electric goal.
Sustainability drives the design: passive energy strategies, high-performance glazing and insulation, rainwater capture for operational use, and mechanically assisted natural ventilation reduce energy and water demand. Raised floor levels mitigate flood and tsunami risk, and a backup generator ensures operational readiness. The station serves as a functional workspace and living environment for its crew, integrating ergonomic, resilient, and low-carbon principles throughout.