Competition for the new Techelsberg fire station, 2nd prize
Year 2026
Category Public
Location Techelsberg am Wörthersee
Description
GENIUS LOCI
The plot of land to be developed is located approximately 200 metres northwest of the centre of the municipality of Techelsberg. It covers an area of approximately 3,600 square metres, is shaped like an irregular polygon and opens up to the south. The terrain slopes down by approximately 8 m from north to south. The plot is bordered by three roads to the east, south and west. To the north, it borders the municipal cemetery, which is characterised by its distant view to the south. The surrounding buildings are predominantly residential houses and farmsteads, giving the area a village-like character.
SITE - BASIC CONCEPT
In response to the existing terrain and the surrounding local area, the required building volume is divided into two structures and partially integrated into the northern slope.
The building is surrounded by the landscape and washed over in the area of the joint, embedding itself in the landscape and fitting in with the urban grain of the local area in terms of scale.
The new fire station is located on the access road to the south.
The intersection of the fire station with the terrain reduces the building volume visible from the outside. The view from the cemetery to the north remains unrestricted.
EXTERNAL ACCESS
The parking spaces for the fire engines are located in the western part of the building. The car parking spaces are located to the east of the fire station. This layout ensures that emergency vehicles can exit the building safely at all times. The communications room provides a view of arriving firefighters.
The eastern part of the building has two floors. The upper floor houses the rooms for standby, command and youth.
Both levels are accessible. Access and delivery to the upper floor is via an access road from the west, which also has a barrier-free car park in front of it.
FUNCTIONS
The garage and wash bay are located on the ground floor in the western section. To the north are the storage and workshop areas, which have lower ceilings, are integrated into the grounds and have skylights providing sufficient daylight and ventilation.
The eastern part of the building has two storeys. The ground floor houses the covered entrance area, the communications room, the changing rooms, the clothing room, the sanitary facilities, the storage room and the technical room. A staircase leads to the upper floor. Here you will find sanitary facilities including a barrier-free toilet, a storage room, a kitchenette, the standby room, the youth room and the command room. The command room and the standby room open onto a balcony, which, like the command room, offers a panoramic view to the south.
The positioning of the fire station allows for expansion to the west.
Fig. 6
Insights: The training and recreation areas on the upper floor are connected to the vehicle hall via sightlines.
Fig. 7
Construction: The part in contact with the ground is constructed of concrete, while the upper floor of the eastern building is constructed of solid wood. The authentic timber construction provides an appropriate atmosphere for the recreation and training areas, with better acoustics and a warmer feel.