Salt Lake City Fire Station 03 Elevates Civic Design with McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal

Project Snapshot

Design Team: Blalock and Partners
Application: Salt Lake City Fire Station 03
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Product: Round Hole Perforated Metal, Item 16141211

McNICHOLS partnered with Blalock and Partners to supply the materials for the architectural vision behind Salt Lake City Fire Station 03, an award-winning civic facility designed to serve both firefighters and the surrounding community. Built as one of the nation’s first net-zero energy fire stations, the project later earned LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, among many other honors.

To help achieve the project’s visual and functional goals, the design team partnered with McNICHOLS for Perforated Metal products that acted as a defining design element throughout the facility. The result? A bold architectural statement that serves as a testimony to the functionality and flexibility of Specialty Metals when paired with custom fabrication and finishing solutions.

The Hole Objective: Supporting Sustainability Through Innovative Design

Modern civic facilities increasingly require materials that contribute to both environmental performance and architectural excellence. Design teams often look to source materials that contribute to LEED certification requirements without compromising form and function.

In the case of Salt Lake City Fire Station 03, Specialty Metals were used as an interior façade while supporting the project’s net-zero design strategy. The architectural team incorporated Round Perforated Metal panels to clad the station’s elevated exercise room, creating a striking focal point within the facility. Finished in a fire-truck red powder coating, the installation adds energy to a traditionally industrial environment.

The Hole Solution

McNICHOLS’ extensive range of available perforated patterns and metal finishes allowed Blalock and Partners to tailor the final appearance to match their project vision precisely.

The 23% open area of Item 16141211 promotes ventilation and light transmission while preserving privacy and visual consistency. Meanwhile, the staggered centered pattern creates a geometric design that adds depth and dimension.

Architectural teams increasingly specify Perforated Metal in sustainable building projects because of its ability to balance these qualities with durability and longevity. Selected for its strength and reliability, the 11 gauge thickness helps support durability for an exposed architectural application.

Beyond performance, the powder coating contributes to the station’s visual identity with an iconic red finish and LEED certification due to its low-VOC properties. The layered perforations produce subtle shadow play throughout the day, softening the mass of the building and reinforcing its contemporary design.

"We wanted something that was durable, sustainable, and beautiful, and McNICHOLS gave us all three." - Brian Becke, Blalock and Partners

These design advantages helped transform the station into more than a functional facility. The project became an example of how innovative architectural materials can elevate public infrastructure while maintaining durability and dependable performance.

Partnering with McNICHOLS

Throughout the project, McNICHOLS worked closely with the architectural team to help ensure the final solution aligned with both performance expectations and design intent. From first quote through final fabrication and dedicated delivery, this collaborative process reflects the value of working with a knowledgeable project partner.

With one of the largest inventories in the nation and 19 locations nationwide, McNICHOLS supports architects, designers, and contractors with high-quality Hole Products. From civic buildings and educational facilities to transportation hubs and commercial spaces, architects continue to discover new ways to incorporate Specialty Metals and Gratings into modern architectural environments.

Awards and Honors

2021 Honor Award, AIA Western Mountain Region
2019 Honor Award, AIA Utah
2019 Best Green Project, Engineering News Record - Mountain States
2019 Municipal Building Project of the Year, Associated General Contractors Utah
2018 Most Outstanding Municipal Project, Utah Construction and Design

McNICHOLS is the leading supplier of Specialty Metals and Gratings in the U.S. and has 19 locations nationwide. Design professionals seeking visually impactful materials can also explore Designer Metals for additional inspiration across a wide range of applications. We are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.

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