Library Buildings around the World

Fulton Trotter, Brisbane, QLD – Australia
http://www.fultontrotter.com.au
Libraries:
Kiama Library, Kiama, NSW – Australia 2009
1.062 m², $ 3.000.000
Kiama Library is a sensitive refurbishment and major extension to a popular existing public facility, resolved on a difficult site with
significant constraints. The exiting Library was positioned off the main street in a converted squash court centre. The site overlooks
the south coast railway line to the scenic coastline of lofty Norfolk pines and jagged basalt outcrops. This distinctive coastal
environment and historic public buildings inspired a refreshing extension to the existing Library, providing a unique place for the
community to meet, learn and explore. The two-storey brick squash court building, nestled into the northern corner of the site is
bound by two blank-walled neighbours. To the south, an enormous 140 year old heritage-listed fig stands, its massive canopy shades
the site and street and its roots breach the existing landscape and footpaths. The popular library and Kiama Family History Centre
have shared the confines of the brick building since 1989 and desperately needed to extend. The Council completed an initial
feasibility with the NSW State Library and elected to redevelop and remodel the existing Library. The building needed to double in
size and provide appropriate areas for children, young people, adult and specialized groups. It required modern administrative
facilities and improved access, all within a limited budget. The solution was to expand the Library at the upper level and locate
tenants, the Family History Centre and the Kiama Community College, at the lower level. The existing shell of the squash court 'box'
would be the cornerstone of the new expanded facilities. The design would include a single storey and two-storey extensions that
exploit the existing site gradient and wrap around the formidable fig tree. Lightweight materials and structure were used in the
extensions to minimize footing costs in the difficult ground conditions. The design is articulated as a series of 'boxes' which
accommodate the different areas. The existing squash court 'box', for adults, is lined with rich dark timber shelving that focus
toward a theatrically lit raised reading and performance platform. In contrast, the new light filled children and young people library
'box' has a glazed wall that frames the enormous volume of the site's majestic fig. From the car park a series of light-weight timber
walkways and decks wrap below the embracing fig canopy to the elevated entry deck and a colourful glazed Reading Lounge 'box'.
The entry deck offers views and a popular sculptural chair by local artist Jon Goulder. The entry is signalled by a large timber stair
tower, inspired by the town's historic Post Office tower and Norfolk pines. The tower signage by artist Ian Tremewen reflects the
patterning of the lorikeets in the pines. (Fulton)
Hay Library + Community Centre, Hay, NSW – Australia 2009
690 m², $ 2.000.000
Hay Library + Community Centre embraces the local precinct with it’s visually interesting, energy efficient and it’s local
characteristics of the expressive community. Commissioned by Hay Shire Council with support from Government funding, it is a
place for community gathering, education and for memory and reflection. The design is formed by local inspiration such as the
Murrumbidgee River, bringer of life and commerce to the area (the surrounding veranda represents this movement), the
vast Hay Plain which gives the building it’s elevation and strong horizontal elements and the harsh outback sun, provider of energy
and light which is made up of the roof by providing shelter from the heat of the sun whilst controlling the level of light entering the
spaces within. (Fulton)
Broadbeach Library, Broadbeach, QLD – Australia 2008
2.500 m², $ 6.100.000
The extension to Broadbeach Library for Gold Coast City Council increased the size of the existing library three fold. The
substantial new part of the building was built over the existing library to allow for the existing building to remain operational for as
long as possible. The building was seen as an opportunity to establish an integrated precinct with the existing community building.
The form and details for the extension were taken from historic images from the area and included reference to the once plentiful
casuarinas in the surrounding water courses, the previous inland sand hills and the colourful 60’s beachside architecture.
The colourful end walls give the building an iconic presence in the community. The interior is bathed in indirect southern natural
light from a series of skylights reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. A neutral internal colour scheme and natural material
palette has been adopted. Building services such as air conditioning have been designed to minimise ongoing running costs.
Since opening there has been a significant increase in the number of people using the library. The new café, pedestrian link to Pacific
Fair shopping centre and the open forecourt which includes the existing community building entry provides a defined
activity zone at the entry to the new building. (Fulton)
Tamborine Mountain College Library, Tamborine Mountain, QLD – Australia 2008
Tamborine Mountain College is a small independent school in North Tamborine. In 2007 the school appointed Fulton Trotter
Architects to prepare a masterplan for their school, to accommodate an increase in enrolments from 125 students to 250 students
over a number of years. Existing demountable buildings will in time be replaced with new purpose designed buildings to better suit
their educational needs.
The Library Building is the second stage of the masterplan and continues the design language from the Stage 1 – Science Building
completed in 2009. The school masterplan is inspired by the local topography and the beautiful rainforest environment of the
Tamborine plateau. The buildings represent the solid, basalt rock of the plateau, contrasted by lightweight connecting walkways
which evoke a sense of walking through the rainforest. The buildings are of a small intimate scale, in keeping with the school’s
philosophy, and are arranged around a central play space, providing a buffer to neighbouring properties.
Future stages will be constructed to complete the masterplan, dependant on student enrolments and funding availability. Future
facilities include a purpose built art + music building, specialist technology spaces, new administration building, and a new sports
hall. (Fulton)
Kingscliff Library, Kingscliff, NSW – Australia 2000
450 m², $ 1.200.000
"The site for this building is in an area of wetlands close to the eastern Australian coast. The building was designed so as to have
minimal impact on the existing landscape of Melaleuca (Paper Bark) trees, ferns and grasses. The architect chose the colours of the
window frames and entry wall to represent the brightly coloured parrots of the region.''
(http://www.janegrealy.com.au/gallery/134-award.html)
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