2008 Design Merit Awards • Category: Sustainable Design
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Marcellus Free Library
Lake Architectural
Marcellus, New York
Intent:
It might be said that the village of Marcellus has everything it needs. Situated along the scenic Nine Mile Creek, the Marcellus Free Library is a public institution which embraces the principles of sustainability. The branch library serves the town of Marcellus in Onondaga County New York. It is located near the village center on the former site of the Upper Crown Wool Mill. The Mill site, which was once the economic center of the town, has been reinterpreted as a modern mixed-use community gathering place.
The building program consists of the library collection, lounge seating, reading table areas, two tutor rooms, staff offices and lunchroom, media spaces, a coffee bar, storage areas, and a community room. The historic site, and scenic natural context, greatly influenced the design of the LEED registered structure. Formally, the building responds to a desire to incorporate the historical context of the site, and the region, by embracing the former mill industry aesthetic. The building’s primary gestures were inspired by the foundry typology, with interior spaces which incorporate industrial materials into a contemporary space. The form is a homage to the site’s past, and the rich history of the village. This composition not only provides aesthetic inspiration, it also lends itself to the functional organization of the program. The two-story space and the tripartite first level establish varied and distinct zones. Levels of physical and visual access, noise volume, and light were strategically addressed to accommodate the diverse users of this public space; from quiet lounge areas, to group study rooms and a children’s story area.
The new public library is a community fixture, which demonstrates a commitment to the future through it’s investment in sustainability. The building was designed to grow with the community and provide an inspirational space for many generations.
Sustainable Site:
- Community Connectivity
- Minimum Parking Capacity
- Site Reuse
- Stormwater Management
- Indigenous Plants
- Water Efficient Landscaping
- Accessibility
- Preferred Carpool Parking
Context:
The design of Marcellus Free Library sensitively responds to growth and change, which are critical components in the vitality of a sustainable community. The project is located on a site which embraces connections to the people and businesses of the village, as well as the breathtaking natural setting. The library respectfully references the past, while providing modern resources for the current and future populations.
Parti:
The building form is inspired by the regional vernacular of industrial buildings. The profile mimics the foundry typology, which was once very common in the surrounding area.
The materials also are indigenous to the area. The brick and stone veneer subtly integrate into the village fabric.
Spatial Composition:
A main central axis divides the building into 3 aisles, and aligns the most active, public areas of the building; the entry, the circulation desk, the group reading tables and the community room above. The auxiliary, private spaces, such as staff offices, rest rooms, and tutor rooms, are located in the front of each of the building’s side aisles. The collection and quiet reading areas are on both sides of the main axis. The distinct zones, defined by the building’s tripartite form allow for varied spaces which promote quiet reading or more interactive activities. The building systems are also zoned to accommodate a range of heating, cooling, and lighting loads.
- Optimized Energy Performance
- Thermal Comfort - Design
- Thermal Comfort - Vetification
- Controllability of Systems - Thermal Control
- Controllability of Systems - Lighting
- Green Power
Lighting:
The lighting design utilizes a zoning strategy, which allows for daylight harvesting. High efficiency fixtures in each of the three bays can be adjusted in response to natural light gain through the extensive windows around the perimeter of the building. Fixtures also respond to varous shifts in the ceiling plane, while maintianing adequate footcandles throughout the space.
Materiality:
Envionmentally responsible materials clothe both the interior and exterior of the library. The brick and stone cladding, as well as the windows, are regionally produced within 500 miles of the site. Many of the interior furnishings and finishes are recycled, recyclable, or manufactured with no volatile organic compounds.
- Regional Materials
- Storage and Collection of Recyclables
- Low-Emitting Materials - Carpet System
- Low-Emitting Materials - Paints & Coatings
- Low-Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants
Client:
The design process for this public institution involved addressing the needs of not one client, but a committee which sought to represent the entire community. The facility welcomes all potential users and provides an interior layout which accommodates the existing collection of books and media, and provides room for growth. Fulfilling, and exceeding, the library committee’s expectations was the driving force behind the success of the project.
