Future‑Ready Blue‑Light Architecture
From a centralised service support centre in Belfast to a community‑focused fire station in Omagh, HLM Architects is shaping a new generation of blue‑light buildings for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. These two projects demonstrate how operational insight, sustainability and wellbeing‑led design can combine to create resilient, future‑ready environments for both emergency services and the communities they serve.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Support Centre
HLM Architects designed a future‑proof, efficient service support centre that streamlines emergency service operations by enhancing staff wellbeing, improving service delivery, and supporting community safety across Northern Ireland.
Client: NIFRS
Location: Belfast
Value: £8.2 million
Services
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Landscape architecture
- Sustainability
Smart, sustainable co‑design
HLM Architects’ architecture, landscape and interior design teams worked closely with the client, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), to design and deliver this cohesive, future‑ready service support centre. From the outset, HLM Architects collaborated with the client and specialist stakeholders to map workflows and co‑design spaces that support operational efficiency and wellbeing.
The architectural response balances robust functionality with thoughtful detailing, while the interiors reflect a clean, durable aesthetic tailored to each user group. Externally, the landscape design enhances local ecology and manages water sustainability. Every specialism collaborated to shape a resilient, flexible environment that supports NIFRS’s evolving needs and reflects its commitment to community safety.
Sustainability
Sustainability was embedded into the service support centre from day one to deliver a building that works hard for its users and harder for the environment. The BREEAM Excellent facility is energy‑efficient, low‑maintenance and future‑ready.
Dynamic thermal modelling and intelligent building systems were used to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Existing ecology was protected, diverse planting introduced, and SUDS integrated to manage water responsibly.
Working closely with NIFRS, HLM Architects tailored environmental strategies to operational needs, balancing comfort, durability and performance. An R&D‑led approach and digital toolkit helped optimise workflows and minimise waste.
Project data
- BREEAM Excellent rating
Omagh Community Fire Station
HLM Architects’ operationally led, inclusive fire station design supports local community engagement. Tailored to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service’s evolving needs and sustainability ambitions, the station is a resilient, future‑ready hub.
Client: Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
Location: Omagh, Northern Ireland
Value: £3.8 million
Services
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Landscape architecture
- Social value
- Sustainability
“The new state‑of‑the‑art Community Fire Station in Omagh is a fantastic facility which has been designed to our specific sustainability requirements. It will become a centralised hub in the West for our operational service delivery and provides us with first‑class facilities to assist us in delivering a modern‑day fire and rescue service to protect our community.”
Ian Grimes, Head of Fleet, Engineering & Supplies, NIFRS
A future‑ready, resilient station design
HLM Architects’ architecture, landscape and interiors teams worked closely with the client to design a station that goes beyond emergency response, creating a safe, inclusive space that supports mental wellbeing, community education and operational excellence.
This collaborative approach ensured that every element – from the adaptable building layout to the fire‑ and water‑inspired public realm – aligned with the client’s operational needs and community values.
Firefighter for a day
The HLM Architects team took part in ‘firefighter for a day’ training to better understand daily realities, shaping spaces such as the recreation room for informal debriefs.
From gender‑inclusive facilities to a multi‑functional meeting room for local groups, every detail of the fire station design reflects a commitment to long‑term social impact.
With improved turnout times and community engagement at its heart, the station delivers lasting value for Omagh and sets a benchmark for future blue‑light projects.
Landscape architecture
Fire‑ and water‑inspired hardscaping, architectural lighting, and soft planting create a welcoming public realm. HLM Architects’ landscape team tackled invasive Salmonberry to deliver a civic design that balances resilience and beauty.
“Our thoughtful response to site constraints helped unify the project – enhancing identity, accessibility and long‑term environmental stewardship.”
Alethea Ottewell, Head of Landscape Architecture
Sustainability
Sustainability was embedded into the fire station design from the ground up, with a focus on long‑term performance, adaptability and carbon reduction.
Passive design principles were applied, alongside integrated biomass heating and solar thermal systems, delivering a 75% improvement over regulatory energy benchmarks. Intelligent lighting and rainwater harvesting systems support daily efficiency, while BMS‑linked monitoring ensures ongoing optimisation.
HLM Architects drew on its R&D and Thoughtful Design toolkit to shape a solution that is resilient, low‑impact and future‑ready. Every decision – from material selection to building orientation – was made with sustainability in mind, exceeding expectations and helping NIFRS meet ambitious carbon targets across its estate.
Project data
- 75% improvement over regulatory energy benchmarks
Interior design
HLM Architects’ interior design team developed a cohesive colour palette for Omagh Fire Station, which has now been adopted to unify spaces across NIFRS stations. The resilient, recognisable interior design supports both operational needs and community engagement.
A durable, light‑filled environment reflects NIFRS identity. Bright walls, hardwood finishes and internal glazing enhance wellbeing and connectivity, while the balanced colour palette features red accents and branded graphics.
For more information about these projects, please contact HLM Architects.
