A Purpose-Built Fire Shed for IWM Duxford

Overview

Carmelcrestdelivered a new-build, purpose-designed fire facility for Imperial War MuseumsDuxford, providing the Duxford Airfield & Rescue Service with a modern operational environment designed around firefighter health, safety and wellbeing.

The project was designed from the outset around a clean station concept, with the reduction of contaminant exposure at its core. Believed to be a UK first for aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS), the facility incorporates dedicated clean and dirty areas, improved decontamination facilities and specialist provisions for the cleaning, maintenance and drying of operational kit.

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Challenges

The project was delivered within the live environment of Imperial War Museum Duxford, a busy visitor attraction welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the year. Construction had to be carefully managed alongside the museum’s day-to-day operations, with major air shows taking place during the programme and bringing significant increases in visitor numbers and activity across the site.

A key consideration was that part of the works was delivered within an operational airside environment, requiring careful coordination around the airfield’s operational requirements and strict control of construction activities.

Alongside managing a busy public environment, the facility needed to support the specific operational requirements of an aviation RFFS while addressing the growing understanding of the health risks associated with particulate contamination.

The design therefore needed to carefully separate operational “dirty” and “clean” areas, while ensuring firefighters could respond quickly, safely decontaminate following incidents or training exercises, and maintain specialist equipment onsite.

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Our Approach

Our approach to delivering the project centred on close collaboration with Imperial War Museums and the Duxford Airfield & Rescue Service, ensuring every aspect of the facility was fit for purpose and aligned with the operational needs of the fire team.

The design was carefully coordinated around firefighter welfare, operational readiness and specialist equipment. This included particulate monitoring, improved shower and decontamination facilities, dedicated washing and drying arrangements for PPE and workwear, and on-site facilities to clean, maintain and re-proof fire kit.

The appliance bays were equipped with carbon monoxide monitoring linked to the BMS, alongside air filtration systems to help maintain clean air. Climate-controlled appliance bays also ensure the fire appliances are maintained in ready-to-deploy conditions.

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Outcomes

The completed facility brings the Duxford fire team’s operations together in a single, purpose-built location, improving both day-to-day efficiency and operational readiness.

Its position provides direct access onto the taxiway, creating the quickest possible route to an emergency anywhere on the airfield and supporting faster response times. The new facility also strengthens the resilience of the airfield while helping protect IWM Duxford’s historic environment.

The project also demonstrates Carmelcrest’s experience of delivering construction works within a live, operational airside environment, where safety,coordination and minimal disruption are critical considerations.

The clean station concept, enhanced decontamination facilities and dedicated equipment cleaning arrangements are designed to reduce firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants, supporting healthier working practices following incidents and training exercises.

By combining firefighter wellbeing, specialist technology and operational efficiency, the project sets a new benchmark for aviation RFFS facilities and demonstrates how thoughtful design and construction can support safer, more resilient emergency response.

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