Images
Images
Swindon Collection - local studies & family history
Reading Room
Children's Library
Exterior view 2
Exterior view 1
Description
Description
Swindon Central Library is a new four-storey building replacing the single storey temporary structure. The new library features three public floors, with the roof height identical to the existing Victorian Town Hall. This was achieved by placing the fourth floor - staff offices and storage rooms - within the roof space. The windows have similar proportions and the style to the Town Hall.
Access is through a cylindrical 'feature' entrance on Regent Circus. This structure is the full height of the building and has a high-ceilinged circular Reading Room built into the top, with views of Regent Circus and surrounding streets.
A landscaped central courtyard between the old and new buildings was created, along with an outdoor first-floor terrace. All external walls have bay windows and small window balconies that provide window seats and seating areas for reading and study.
The library is located in heart of the town centre and there are good transport links and amenities within close reach.
The library is naturally ventilated by passive stack ventilation. The entire building is heated by an underfloor system powered by two condensing gas boilers. Rainwater recycling is used to harvest water from the roof and solar water heating has been incorporated into the design.
The environmental impact of materials was reduced by specification of Green Guide A-rated products and the use of FSC-certified timber.
Awards
2007 - BREEAM Bespoke Award (Winner)., 2009 - Brick Development Association Award (Winner in sustainability category)., 2009 - Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Awards (Commendation in sustainability design category).
The Building
The Building
Type of library
Central/Main library/LRC
Size
3000 m2
Floors
4
Architect
Swindon Borough Council
Building contractor
Wilmott Dixon
The Space
The Space
Features and services
Special services
Audiovisual/Multimedia areas, Baby changing facilities, Cafe/refreshment areas, Group study spaces, Meeting rooms, Public address system, Specialist subject collections
External features
Building shape
Internal features
Design features
Energy efficiency
Control mechanisms, Energy conservation, Heating, Lighting
Accessibility provision
Access between floors, Access to building, Access within building, Assistive technology, Signage / guiding
Interior designer
-
Furniture suppliers
Demco Interiors, Kinnarps
Services and facilities sSuppliers
Intellident, Infor
IT provision
Electronic information displays, Internet access, Public access terminals, RFID, Self service circulation, Number of public computer terminals: 61
Seats/study places
21
Stock
77,000