The library occupies a prominent position adjacent to Central Hall in the centre of town and replaces the existing library building, offering twice the floor area.
The building is constructed of a steel/glulam frame clad with aluminium curtain walling, brickwork incorporating cobble panels and cedar cladding. The exposed glulam columns and beams form an integral part of the bold, clean design of the building. The building has 3 fan segments which radiate out from a timber clad rotunda, the sloping roof of which incorporates a circular rooflight. The single ply membrane covered main roof is stepped with each segment having a run of high level windows which form part of the natural ventilation installation. The large open space created forms a flexible area whilst the rotunda forms the primary IT area.
The building has underfloor heating which further assists in creating a flexible open space. The sloping nature of the site has been used to provide a loading dock for mobile library vehicles.
The open area between the library and Central Hall has been paved and again using the existing fall of the site, incorporates circular stone steps which together with stainless steel street furniture, forms a public open space / focal point.
First class surveying, consultancy & management services
