The community of Bridgenorth was looking for a new landmark building to accommodate both their growing library collection and local community activities. Distinct volumes for the main library space, community hall, children’s library area and service areas are organized to allow for a rich geometry of spatial zones that cue changes in program. The tallest volume is occupied by the main library space and entrance foyer, while the smallest volume houses the reading nook and hearth.
Expression of the building takes form from its rural surroundings, with a large ‘barn-like’ corrugated metal roof wrapping over the East side of the building. This exposes the North and South facades to the town’s waterfront and street front sides. Here a random pattern of tall narrow windows, vertical wood siding and the tall stone chimney are reminiscent of a forest of trees. Inside, the narrow vertical piers of the walls rise to meet an exposed canopy of inverted wood trusses that are the structural roof support for the main 18’ library space.
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