Images
Images
Western elevation
video wall
Oak staircase
Headspace
First floor with trees
Children's Library
Atrium
Art Work
Description
Description
A three storey building with a structural concrete frame and cantilevered elevations of stone and glazed panels with interesting elevations that can be viewed from all sides so that in effect the library has no back. The library occupies 3 floors and the building is shared with the Registrar Office and also has a floor of office accommodation.
The Library is arranged around an atrium that turns round on itself with a feature 'ribbon' oak staircase that connects all library areas. Brightly coloured acoustic canopies define the enquiry desks on each floor.
Art by artist Gordon Young features 14 untreated oak trees placed around the library etched and sandblasted with quotes from favourite books using a variety of typographies to suit the content and type of quotation.
Mixed mode heating and ventilation system with electrically operated windows to provide natural ventilation. Pre- heated air is circulated through the floor voids and extracted via the atrium. A wind trough at the head of the atrium draws air upwards during hot weather boosting the natural ventilation rate. Floor plates are cantilevered to provide shading during summer months whilst allowing daylight in. Solar water heater and Bio mass boiler.
The library is Wifi enabled. There is a franchised coffee shop at the front of the library with seating spreading onto the south facing landscaped square. The 2nd floor features a 9 screen video wall
There is an exhibition room that can seat 60 people, a meetings facility with a kitchen area and an IT suite with 12 pc's.
Awards
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The Building
The Building
Type of library
Central/Main library/LRC
Size
2557 m2
Floors
3
Architect
Penoyre & Prasad
Building contractor
BAM Construct UK Ltd
The Space
The Space
Features and services
Special services
Audiovisual/Multimedia areas, Baby changing facilities, Cafe/refreshment areas, Equipment provision, Exhibition/display areas, Group study spaces, Meeting rooms, Open learning provision, Public address system
External features
Shared building, Building shape, Materials, Landscaping, Materials
Internal features
Design features, Structural
Energy efficiency
Control mechanisms, Heating, Lighting, Ventilation, Water use
Accessibility provision
Access between floors, Access to building, Assistive technology, Furniture height, Parking, Signage / guiding
Interior designer
Creative Devise
Furniture suppliers
-
Services and facilities suppliers
Axiell (formerly DS)
IT provision
Internet access, Laptop points, Public access terminals, RFID, WiFi, Number of public computer terminals: 59
Seats/study places
209
Stock
80,696