South Cumberland Branch, Allegany County Library Cumberland, Maryland Located along a residential street in a small working class western Maryland town, a non-descript community library building has been renovated – and transformed into a cool new “place” full of energy, natural daylighting, openness, and warmth. Not only, could the exterior of the existing library building (a 1982 watered-down Colonial style) be mistaken for a bank or doctor’s office, the interior environment (with very few windows) was dark, cramped, and uninspiring. The Architect’s feasibility study and proposed concept design verified that the 9,000-square foot steel framed building could be renovated to meet projected program and collection needs – and could be renovated in a cost-effective manner – compared to abandonment of the property for new construction at a greenfield site. The renovation design completely removed all suspended acoustical tile ceilings and non-essential partitions in favor of a reconfigured open-plan layout with a curvilinear wood ceiling that arcs over a variety of seating zones, low shelves, and counter areas. Softly colored lumicore panels within “tree-like” wood frames identify the children’s reading area which is “clouded” with a family of circular acoustical panels. Existing exterior window openings have been elongated and a new glass, metal and wood-sided entrance expansion has been incised into the north facade providing improved access from the neighborhood and onsite parking area. A new “eyebrow like” opening “carved into” the west elevation supported by steel structural elements, with large glass panels - provides a “flood of natural daylight” into the interior and imparts a fresh identity and new image (day and night). This re-energized community asset – is once again prominently contributing to the quality of life in this somewhat remote rural region.
Exterior at New Entrance
Existing Conditions
Concept Sketches
Existing Conditions
Site Plan
Existing Floor Plan
New Floor Plan
Reflected Ceiling Plan
Roof Plan
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Entry/Vestibule Community Room Children’s Room Stacks Quiet Study
6. Juvenile Stacks 7. Reading Area 8. Work Room 9. Circulation Desk 10. Kitchen