New Braunfels Fire Stations Nos. 2, 3, and 7
Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, Survey
Between 2018 and 2020, the City of New Braunfels simultaneously developed Fire Stations Nos. 2, 3, and 7 across the city. These facilities were designed to improve emergency response times and accommodate the city’s rapid growth. Each station features discrete living quarters and apparatus bays, with complementary parallel and offset roof slopes. Geotechnical services informed foundation and pavement design through subsurface evaluation and soil testing, addressing expansive soils to support long-term performance, while detailed surveying provided the accurate site data necessary for seamless design and construction. Gessner’s civil design focused on creating efficient site circulation, resilient drainage, and well-coordinated utility systems that enhanced access, safety, and operational flow for first responders. Our structural support ensured durable, code-compliant facilities capable of withstanding demanding conditions.
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Challenges
The structural design required careful problem-solving to preserve the architect’s vision while remaining cost-effective and constructible. Maintaining consistent expression across varying conditions—such as overlapping second-floor framing and sloping roof lines—added complexity, as did the need to achieve a thin, refined roof profile at large overhangs.
Solutions
To achieve the desired roof profile, our team utilized exposed hollow structural section (HSS) members and integrated a concealed gutter system within the steel roof assembly. We developed a coordinated structural system using wide-flange girders that extend beyond roof edges to support HSS framing, maintaining a uniform visual rhythm throughout. Where second-floor and sloped roof framing overlapped, we incorporated miscellaneous steel detailing to prevent conflicts and preserve clean structural transitions. The result is a cohesive and expressive structural system, with exposed steel elements thoughtfully integrated throughout the apparatus bays, day rooms, training areas, and exterior spaces.
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