In the Wilrijk district of Antwerp, a new fire station is being built on Gaston Fabrélaan, a busy traffic artery to the south of the city. The station, which toes the building line, contains a vehicle depot, offices and living areas, changing rooms and sleeping quarters. The building consists of a solid timber load-bearing construction with a central stair that connects the various floors and ensures a smooth operation during a response call-out. Particular attention has been paid to the tectonic legibility of the elevations which give expression to the typological stacking of depot, living quarters and tower. Nuanced reddish glazed brickwork acts as an identifier in the neighbourhood; an ‘architecture parlante’ in which form and appearance provide an unmistakable reminder of the fire brigade’s function.