JIRČANY FIRE STATION || Where Function Meets Community Vision
Can a fire station embody the spirit of its community while redefining civic architecture?
The Jirčany Fire Station answers with quiet confidence, marrying utility with thoughtful design to serve both firefighters and neighbours alike. Perched at the edge of Dolní Jirčany, this project by SOA architekti transforms a necessity into a local landmark, reflecting both the pastoral charm of its rural setting and the aspirations of a modern municipality.
An architectural nod to rural barns, the Jirčany Fire Station stands as a symbol of modern civic design
A luminous structure by night, the fire station’s design bridges functionality with aesthetic appeal.
From the outset, the design draws inspiration from the archetype of rural barns, blending seamlessly into its village surroundings. The gabled roof and rectangular silhouette echo the nearby elementary school, forging a dialogue between civic structures. Yet, the choice of materials—a translucent polycarbonate façade paired with warm wooden interiors—elevates this structure beyond mere function. The polycarbonate skin not only shelters firefighting vehicles from the elements but also offers a luminous glow, making the station a welcoming presence by day and a beacon at night.
Inside, the station is organized into three distinct thermal zones: exterior, garage, and interior. This deliberate segmentation ensures operational efficiency while offering firefighters a comfortable retreat. The interiors are framed with cross-laminated timber (CLT), creating a sense of solidity and warmth. Meanwhile, large-format windows facing the street invite passersby to glimpse the work of the local volunteer firefighters, fostering transparency and connection with the community.
Firefighting gear in vivid red and yellow stands ready against the station’s minimalist yet functional interior design.
The station’s location on a triangular plot between family homes and a school necessitated a sensitive approach to scale and proportion. SOA architekti balanced these demands by creating a structure that gracefully transitions from the intimate character of the houses to the public gravitas of the school. Beyond its aesthetic contributions, the station strengthens community cohesion, serving as a functional facility and a symbol of collective resilience.
The fire station represents an architectural ethos rooted in responsibility and respect for its context. As Dolní Jirčany grows, this structure stands ready—not just to respond to emergencies, but to ignite a sense of civic pride and shared purpose.
The architecture and design echoes that of a nearby school, providing consistency in civic structure design.
PROJECT DETAILS
Studio: SOA architekti
Author:
Ondřej Píhrt
Štefan Šulek
Ondřej Laciga
Kateřina Luftová
Štěpán Tomš
Marie Hojná
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Client: Municipality Psáry
Project Location: Ke Křížku, 252 44 Psáry
Project Country: Czech Republic
Completion Year2024Built-up area425 m²
Gross Floor Area: 594 m²
Usable Floor Area: 429 m²
PhotographerAlex Shoots Buildings
Collaborators and Suppliers
Structural engineering, CLT: A2 Timber [Václav Bártík]
Fire safety: Jiří Jasný
Electrical engineering: Jan Drašnar
HVAC: Václav Heis
General contractor: BW – Stavitelství
Metal profiles, steel structure: SteelPro4
AL windows and doors contractor: Samat
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