Central Fire Station in Bjørvika

A new Bjørvika fire station combines a robust timber form with staff-centered layouts for fast response and healthy workplaces.

A new central fire station has been established in Bjørvika, Oslo, following the relocation of the city’s former main fire station in the summer of 2023. AFRY Architects designed a facility for Oslo’s Fire and Rescue Service (BRE) that prioritizes operational efficiency and the wellbeing of the people who work there.

Set within green surroundings at the edge of a historically industrial waterfront, the building’s sculptural expression meets its context with clarity. Three dark, closed volumes in “burnt” wood frame the vehicle hall, supporting an open, light upper level in bright wood and glass. This composition resonates with the area’s mix of industry and container port while signaling the building’s essential public function.

Crew life at the top

The crew floor occupies the top level, organized around a central roof garden that offers daylight, fresh air, and a calm outdoor retreat. The floor includes a kitchen, living room, sleeping and bathing rooms, and training facilities - bringing essential amenities together to support healthy routines, shift patterns, and team cohesion. Administrative and technical functions are placed on the first and second floors, maintaining clear separation between operational and support areas while ensuring quick access to the vehicle hall.

Materials, light, and wellbeing

Materials and surfaces were chosen to contribute positively to employee health, the environment, and the surrounding neighborhood. In the evening, warm light in the crew areas supports circadian rhythms and softer transitions across shifts. On the lower levels, linear fixtures underscore the more technical character of operational spaces, aiding clarity and focus where it matters most.