WEST NATICK FIRESTATION #4
Natick, MA
Honor Award | Best of the Best | Institutional
H2M architects + engineers Architect of Record: Tecton Architects, P.C.
The Town of Natick needed a new fire station to accommodate its rapid growth, replacing the old facility with a 25,000-square-foot building that meets firematic needs while aligning with community environmental goals and updated aesthetics. The station features a pocket park and textured plaza to encourage mindfulness, as well as a curved bike/jogging path for community fitness. A transparent tower marks the public entrance, leading to firematic operations designed with resilience and longevity inspired by nearby Natick mall architecture. Inside, the station prioritizes well-being, camaraderie, and cross-contamination control. It includes gender-neutral facilities, sound-absorbing materials, and achieves a LEED Silver-equivalent certification with solar panels and all-electric systems, surpassing Massachusetts “Stretch” code by 30%. The design blends traditional materials with modern elements, visually and culturally bringing the station into the 21st century.
“The project features a strong spine, well-zoned and organized, effectively separating sleeping areas from the programmatic spaces, which sits nicely on the site. The tower serves as a distinctive beacon and is all electric, contributing to sustainability goals. Its design creates visual interest from various angles, enhancing its overall appeal.”
-
Client: Town of Natick
Design Team & Consultants: Katrina Pacheco, AIA, Submitting Architect and Office Director; Rebecca Hopkins, AIA, Tecton Architects, P.C., Architect of Record; David Pacheco, AIA, Director of Operations; Dennis Ross, AIA, Practice Leader; Castagna Construction Corporation, General Contractor
-
©John Rea, Nat Rea Photography