a4architects » Basalt Regional Library

Basalt Regional Library Inside

Olivia Emery — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:32:30 +0000

: Newspapers are displayed adjacent to the fireplace in the main reading room. Windows look out onto a public park, which is in the flood plain of the Roaring Fork River.

: The Library is separated from the Community Room by a common entry that serves as a reception area for Community Room events and as a place for people to gather, chat, or have a coffee either before entering the Library itself.The Community Room, like the main reading room of the Library, is sheathed in regionally obtained aspen boards, variously spaced over absorbent backing for various acoustic requirements.

: The north end of the reading room lifts up to afford a view of the top of Basalt Mountain across the river. Subdued light combined with comfortable seating and good work areas make this the most popular place in the Library.

: The steel structure of the main reading room was inspired by trees in the flood plain just north of the building site. Daylight enters from clerestories, which are glazed with glass or translucent plastic panels depending on the solar orientation. Small alcoves are recessed into the sides of the large wood volume to accommodate reserve shelves, small meeting rooms and service areas.

: Our Associated Architect, OZ Architecture, came up with this circle of aspens as a way to identify the children’s library and to provide some separation between the younger and older users of this space. The gray patch of carpet was eventually replaced with plexi-glass to allow a view into the 18″ tall underfloor plenum, which allows for low velocity air delivery and data and power modifications as technology or furniture layouts change.

Olivia Emery — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:23:56 +0000

: Greg Watts took this photo soon after the Library opened in January 2010. The Childrens’ Library is in the smaller volumes to the left.

Basalt Regional Library

Olivia Emery — Mon, 24 May 2010 17:40:28 +0000

Greg Watts took this photograph soon after the Library opened in January 2010. Library visits jumped from approximately 300 to 1000 per day soon after the new facility opened and have remained high ever since.

Custom Bench Design for Basalt Library Plaza

David Darling — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:33:17 +0000

The 5° Seating line of site furniture for the Basalt Regional Library plaza was designed by A4 to compliment the library building. These benches and bike racks are built out of steel and ipé wood with longevity and ease of maintenance in mind. The first bench prototype is currently being manufactured by local craftsmen and will be on display for First Friday.

Basalt Library Exterior

brad zeigel — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:40:46 +0000

A few pre-snow photos of the exterior of the Basalt Regional Library as it nears completion. Public opening is scheduled for January 9th, 2009

New Basalt Library Photos

David Darling — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:16:02 +0000

The exterior of the building is mostly complete and the interior of the library is getting finished out. Walls are all enclosed and the aspen wood paneling is going on the ceiling. Here are a few pictures from last week.

Bench at community room entrance

Corrugated copper entrance soffit

Kalwall glazing and aspen ceiling

Lobby

Making Progress on the Basalt Library

David Darling — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:08:04 +0000

Just a few quick photos of the current state of the library. The pre-patinated copper is already starting to change color, the difference in color on the bottom portion is from a batch installed a week later than the top.

Basalt Regional Library

brad zeigel — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:01:11 +0000

Community Room Framing

The walls are up on the staff side of the building.