Guerra Branch Library project client
Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Branch Library, San Antonio
City of San Antonio
architect
Sprinkle Robey Architects Davis Sprinkle, AIA; Thom Robey, AIA; Jeff Langham,
design team
Alan Neff contractor
All Construction
consultants
Slay Engineering (civil); Lizcano Consulting Engineers
(MEP); AccuTech Consultants (structural); Bender Wells Clark (landscape); Fugro South, Inc. (geotechnical); Accessibility Unlimited (plan review); Edens (code/life safety) photographer
resources
Paul Hester metal decking :
Vulcraft;
solid polymer fabrications :
Avonite; vapor retarders : Henry; metal roofing : Berridge; entrances and storefronts : Vistawall; plastic glazing : CPI International; tile : Daltile; blinds , shutters , and shades :
Mecho Shade; granite countertops : Young
Stone; exterior stucco plaster finish ( entry node); Degussa
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t e x a s
a r c h i t e c t
The Guerra Branch Library is located in a working class, military neighborhood in San Antonio. Inspired by the soaring hangars at the adjacent Air Force Base, the building is organized in three volumes that are oriented to define an existing green space to the north and east, while limiting the harsh sunlight from the south and west. The result is a flexible, free-span structure that takes advantage of large glass and polycarbonate panels to create an abundance of modulated natural light. The entry node slopes toward the street, creating a memorable landmark in a neighborhood void of context. A large assembly-room window becomes a visual portal to on-going public events. This window is protected by a perforated metal screen that shades during the day, yet is transparent at night. Conforming to the limited budget, the exposed steel-framed building utilizes modified pre-fabricated components. Infill panel materials include corrugated metal, plaster, and rusted steel panels. The building is articulated by straightforward detailing of various materials and exterior plaster textures.
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