|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
As the land supply tightens, architects are being challenged to do more with less. The Carnegie Library and Community Centre is located on a narrow site, sandwiched between a residential street to the east and the back of a strip shopping centre to the west.
The library was one of the first projects to use Zinc bricks from Austral Bricks Elements Series, semi-glazed bricks with a glossy black body finished in a reflective silver.
The main entry is approached from the shopping street, busy Koornang Road, via a new landscaped pedestrian mall. The western elevation (facing the shop rears) was a particular challenge: how to allow light and views, screen the harsh western light, and preserve wall space. The solution? Create a series of blade-like brick walls, separated by narrow, north-facing, full-height windows.
|
|  |
 |
The back of the adjacent shops was a graffitists’ playground so the designers recommended a precautionary application of an anti-graffiti coating. However the brickwork has remained untouched, possibly due to the increased pedestrian traffic.
In keeping with its residential neighbours, the eastern elevation is brick clad at street level, and strongly modulated to break down what would otherwise be a long and imposing facade. Off-white brick squares – two bricks by five courses – are dotted along the facade. The lighter-coloured aluminium-clad upper level is stepped back, reducing its visual impact to the street.
The solidity of the brickwork and strength of colour (not to mention its soft gloss) make the building a striking addition to the streetscape, without compromising or overwhelming its neighbours, commercial or residential.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Internally, the ground floor library is free of columns, thanks to the steel frame. On the upper level are a large function area with commercial kitchen and balcony, and a series of smaller meeting/consulting rooms.
Brian Mathieson was PLM’s project director, working with Rob McCabe, project architect, Peter Crick, design architect, and Emma Dodson, interior designer. Richard Harris was JA Dodds construction manager.
Since its August 2005 opening, the $10.4 million complex has received overwhelming community acceptance with a customer base of 40 percent of the municipality.
| |
|
