PROJECT  Gaithersburg Library

LOCATION  Gaithersburg, , 

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  12/1/2013

ARCHITECT  Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT  Ann Beha Architects / Ann Beha / Steve Gerrard

OWNER/CLIENT  Montgomery County Department of General Services / Mariam Zarif

CONTRACTOR  Henley Construction Company, Inc./ Chad Oursler

PHOTOGRAPHER  Peter Vanderwarker; Scott Dombrowski

DESIGN TEAM  David McCormick, Doug Kelso

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The Gaithersburg Library had not been renovated since its completion in 1981. The need to repair/replace all the building systems and increase program opportunities led to the expansion of the library from 32,000 SF to 62,000 SF. The original spaces were haphazardly organized with technology sprinkled throughout the building. Columns and high bookcases visually disconnected the spaces. The building’s exterior was dated with dark brown, vertically oriented brick, heavily articulated columns, high horizontal band windows with a deep fascia, and a flat roof; all of these elements resulted in a brooding public presence. The addition to the library allowed the expansion of the collections and the incorporation of key features requested by the community to facilitate the study of English as a second language, create a children’s discovery center, provide tutoring and group study rooms, and expand the media collections. Half of the existing building was demolished to allow for more open spaces within the new two-story addition. The existing plan was gutted and regularized with infill additions to create contiguous spaces. Roof monitors, with clerestories, were inserted into the deepest plan areas to introduce natural light. The design was revamped with increased fenestration openings and light shelves, sculpted massing of the addition and roof components, and the layering of lightweight concrete and light, gray-colored metal panels, planting armatures, and local fieldstone to add visual depth to the architectural composition. Now twice its original size, the Gaithersburg Library was transformed into a multi-cultural learning and collaboration center within the neighborhood. The design solution provides a light-filled, welcoming space with quiet and active gathering areas and a new place that inspires learning and community spirit. Awarded LEED Gold, the design excellence of this creative, dynamic and bright environment is apparent to patrons and staff as they use the compelling new spaces.

IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS

IMAGE 1  Gaithersburg Library_high res ext, View At The Corner of Montgomery Village & Christopher Avenues, ©2014, Peter Vanderwarker Photographer

IMAGE 2  Gaithersburg Library_high res int, View Through The Main Lobby, ©2015, Scott Dombrowski

IMAGE 3  Vanderwarker-3785, View Of The Main Entry At Night, ©2014, Peter Vanderwarker Photographer

IMAGE 4  20150612-081416-HDR-horizontal, View Of Entry Approach, ©2015, Scott Dombrowski

IMAGE 5  20150612-081926-HDR-Edit, View Along Montgomery Village Avenue, ©2015, Scott Dombrowski

IMAGE 6  20150612-085100-HDR, View Of The Main Reading Room, ©2015, Scott Dombrowski

IMAGE 7  20150612-085840-HDR, View Of The Quiet Area Lounge, ©2015, Scott Dombrowski

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF