Fire Station 22 and EMS Station 12 underwent a complete demolition and reconstruction on better serve the growing community. Originally a one-story station with two apparatus bays, the facility had received several additions over the years, including a women’s locker room and telecom room for EMS. The new two-story facility features three apparatus bays, expanded site work, and parking areas for staff and visitors. Designed with sustainability in mind, the station is set to achieve LEED Silver Certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.

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The design for Fire Station 22/EMS 12 was inspired by the dual sources of pride that define Austin: nature and technology. Situated between the Colorado River and the US headquarters of Tokyo Electron, the site itself reflects this contrast, with wooded areas to the north and technological infrastructure to the south. The design capitalizes on this dynamic by placing the human elements, such as living and sleeping quarters, near the natural landscape, while the more mechanical aspects, like parking and the apparatus bays, are positioned closer to the technology. The apparatus bay, located at the center, serves as afunctional and symbolic connection between people and machines—where team work and technology come together in service to the community.

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The new Fire Station 22/EMS 12 not only meets the functional demands of a modern fire and emergency services station but also creates a deep connection to its surroundings and the city of Austin. The site layout and building materials celebrate the duality of nature and technology, reinforcing the sense of public pride in both. The station’s design symbolizes the emotional journey of first responders, from the individual arriving at the station to the collective teamwork in the apparatus bay, and finally, the healing process in the living quarters. Through these thoughtful design elements, the building serves as both a practical facility and a community symbol, embodying Austin’s unique identity and the vital mission of the teams working there.

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