In the 1990’s, FDNY’s EMS stations were designed according to a prototype that relied heavily on masonry for its overall aesthetics. In 2006 however, New York City implemented a new design protocol for city-owned projects, placed a stronger emphasis on unique architectural character. The recently completed EMS Station 27 in the Bronx reflects that new direction. Utilized for its design was 6,300 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK architectural titanium zinc.
The RHEINZINK material was used in several applications on the new EMS station, which many hope will help make the case for a new generation of EMS facilities. Like the nearly century-old fire station that it replaced, EMS 27 runs through a narrow city block from front to back, facing onto a high-traffic corridor on one side and a residential street on the other.
The application of RHEINZINK products on the building include 3,000 sq. ft. of Flat Lock Tile; 1,500 sq. ft. of Double Lock Standing Seam Roof Panels; and 1,800 sq. ft. of sheet material used to wrap custom louvers.
Design services for the 13,000 sq. ft. breakthrough project were provided by WXY Architecture + Urban Design, New York. According to Claire Weisz, WXY principal, “EMS 27 presents two faces to the world. To its residential neighbors, it’s a demure composition of glass and zinc panels, easily mistaken for a contemporary condominium. For drivers on the busy thoroughfare, the building’s row of raked, irregular louvers establishes a striking play of sun and shadow.”
The building occupies a footprint of less than 3,000 sq. ft. but offers five above- and below-ground floors that efficiently house leading edge EMS equipment, support and services. A training room that doubles as a dining space in the penthouse and a connecting outdoor terrace (unique to New York’s EMS stations) add a touch of luxury, as does a fitness room below.
“A lot of people in EMS think of this as being the flagship station,” said a veteran paramedic. Previously, he and his 60-odd colleagues were scattered in facilities across the city, many of which were cramped and aging. “This is like night and day,” he said.
The RHEINZINK fabricator and installer on the project was MRS Inc., Hackensack, NJ. According to MRS President Paul Moore, “The challenge was the custom louvers. We did the engineering and fabrication of the louvers and the stainless steel brackets holding them. Every bracket was at a different angle. The detailing of the flashing around the penetration of the brackets really required careful attention.” Moore indicated he had RHEINZINK before on a project in his native Ireland. “It’s a good material to work with,” he said.
The general contractor on the project was Brickens Construction, Inc., Yonkers, NY.
RHEINZINK America, Inc. led the introduction of zinc as an important architectural material in North America and continues to provide comprehensive technical support to architects and contractors. Environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable, RHEINZINK presents a distinctive appearance with outstanding longevity.