NEW CASTLE, VIRGINIA LIBRARY COMPLEX

As a semester long project, the library received much attention in the development of details. The selection and integration of a steel frame structural system was created and tested in Revit. Vertical circulation, life safety, and accessibility compliance with code was also studied. Detailed floorplans and reflected ceiling plans were designed. In addition to that, the practicality of the library was of great importance, and therefore the beginnings of construction documents as well as door schedules, windows schedules, and room schedules (chart on bottom) were also drafted.

Tasked to renovate the South facing facade of the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke, Virginia, the proposal provides thermal comfort, views, and shading. The facade has two layers. An interior layer of double-pane curtain glass provides an airtight enclosure with decent insulation. An exterior aluminum brise soleil anchored to the main frame controls south light with a sine algorithm, creating an undulating form.

A second algorithm regulates circular apertures on a grid. The circles contract in the direction of afternoon sunlight and expand toward the concave half of the undulating form, maximizing views while preventing glare and overheating.