The two-storey Brentwood Library was built in 1955. The two-year renovation project has expanded the public service, collection and staff space by 30%. The east wing of the original building has been retained and connects with a three-storey addition through a double-height reading room. This room now accommodates the library’s main book collection and seating areas.
An exposed steel tension truss and wood roof as a sculptural element is a major feature of the new renovation, which is dubbed as the central spine of the project. Fully glazed north and south elevations have clear and coloured translucent glass panels in the central spine. Original pine ceiling beams dating back to the branch’s 1955 opening has been refinished and exposed after years of being covered by acoustic tile.
Adjacent to the entrance hall on the main floor, the urban living room comprises a lounge with soft seating around a fireplace with an original Group of Seven painting by A.J. Casson. This high-circulation area features computer stations, new fiction, periodicals and multi-media.
There is a 90-seat community room featuring a quiet study area which supports public functions with audio-visual equipment and a kitchen. Other spaces on the ground floor comprises of the KidsStop interactive early literacy centre–intimately scaled zones according to age groups and story-time activity. The second floor features another fireplace seating area, the adult book collections and a computer learning centre. An elegant and playful look is given to the office and support area on the third floor.
Office and support areas are located on the third floor. The entire floor is resonant with traditional and contemporary finishes which create an elegant and playful interior. White glazed concrete block defines the spine, which features vertical banded lighting. A carpet field connects program areas that have distinct floor colouring and patterns.
All shelving, millwork, wall panels and benches in the library are made of black walnut wood. The design team also added an array of contemporary colourful chairs, tables and loose furnishing to provide contrast.
Natural lighting is abundant throughout the library and all occupied spaces have windows and outdoor views. The cladding consists of curtainwall, zinc panels, split-faced limestone masonry and charcoal-hued brick. All these materials reference the adjacent precinct and the library’s location between commercial interests to the south and residential to the north. Landscaping elements at the library include benches and a shade park with shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials.
The building incorporates a high-performance building envelope with energy-efficient mechanical features and a radiant floor heating system to reduce energy consumption. A mechanised shading system controlled by light sensors enhances indoor lighting and control. The project also added an elevator and lowered the ground floor of the existing wing to grade, for full accessibility.
