Embracing biophilic design principles for the Marion Fire Station in Marion, Iowa, USA, daylighting and views were a major aspect of OPN Architects’ vision for the project.
To maximize exposure to daylighting and views, OPN’s team generously designed and strategically placed store-front and curtain-wall systems, and operable window units throughout the two-story, 21,214-sq.-ft. station. To ensure occupant comfort and thermal efficiencies, the architects selected Vitro Architectural Glass‘ Solarban® 60 Starphire® glass for its high visible light transmittance and low solar heat gain coefficient. The solar control, low-emissivity (low-e) glass blocks 59 percent of solar energy while allowing 74 percent of visible light to pass through.
After completing a daylighting analysis and reviewing elevation data, the storefront ribbon windows and punched openings were sized at 10 feet high while the curtain wall incorporates larger units. Typical glass panel sizes measure 3 ft., 6 in. by 10 ft. by 3 ft., 4 in. with a few variations.
One of the 14 Patterns of Biophilia, Visual Connections with Nature, established by Terrapin Bright Green in their well-regarded Economics of Biophilia work, has been proven to lower blood pressure and positively impact mood. To optimize this, the building design maximizes lasting visual connections from all hallways and regularly occupied spaces.
Another biophilic design principle is Dynamic and Diffuse Light, which addresses variation in light intensity, color and shadow. This pattern has been shown to positively impact circadian systems, which is very important for firefighters. To incorporate this, shading was a key part of the design.
OPN’s façade design also indirectly impacts several other biophilic principles including Non Visual Connection with Nature and Thermal and Airflow. Firefighters can see manicured grass, prairie, a tree grove, retention pond and wildlife through the Solarban® 60 Starphire® glass. And the operable windows introduce cool breezes and natural ventilation into the space.
Another important aspect of the glass design is the incorporation of ceramic frit in key locations to prevent bird collisions.