Fuquay Varina - Focus on the Framework

FUQUAY-VARINA LIBRARY Fo c u s o n t h e Fra m e w o rk

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Fuquay-Varina Fuquay-Varina, NC, is a charming small town

The new facility, strategically located for ease of

located just south of Raleigh. With two historic

access for the growing neighborhood, community,

districts, a walkable downtown, a growing

and town, incorporates exterior spaces to

restaurant and brewery scene, and easy access to

encourage active use as a community destination

nature, it’s little wonder that

for after school and

the town’s population has

weekend activities. Located

nearly doubled in the last decade.

Adjusting to rapid growth in the community.

1.5 miles from the bustling, expanding downtown district, the library’s site

To keep up with this rapid

will accommodate future

growth, Wake County and

growth and expansion from

Fuquay-Varina wanted to build a new library, one

a community-scale library to a full regional library

that served as more than a place for housing books.

as needed. The long, linear form accommodates

The new library illustrates what a modern library can

current needs; a future addition will create an

be: a community anchor and hub providing access

L-shaped building to house additional program

to research, entertainment, gatherings, individual

spaces when expansion is required.

study, civic engagement and, of course, reading.

The modern design signals a new era, both for the library and the town. The simple geometry, combined with subtle, intentional moves which respond to interior functions, creates meaningful connections to both context and site. A layered exterior with planes of masonry, metal panel, and storefront creates a human-scale façade with a well-defined entry sequence and framed views both in and out. A contemporary metal panel canopy delineates the entry, while an adjacent courtyard garden creates an outdoor gathering space.

Sustainable high-performance design was a key goal for the new building. The roof folds upward on the east façade to bring daylight deep into the interior, while solar shading fins and low E glazing control direct glare and heat gain. Solar shading fins on the east facade allow controlled natural light and views., and the building’s orientation maximizes daylighting and passive solar design.

celebrating the past, looking towards the future

1 BUILDING A PLACE FOR COMMUNITY

Designing for Integration The project is adjacent to an existing county multi-services center for the Fuquay-Varina area, creating an accessible public campus for the community for convenience, a sense of civic place, and shared resources including security, power and staffing. The site is at the epicenter of a newly developed community, and will serve as a hub of social activity.

2 ALL ARE WELCOME

Designing for Equitable Communities The library is open to all citizens with services and collections focused on community needs.

Collections

and

programs

cater

to

multi-

generational user groups. The site is located in a walkable growing community zone adjacent to other county services for easy patron access.

NOON: DAYLIGHT CONTROLLED WITH DEEP OVERHANGS

AFTERNOON: DAYLIGHT REFLECTED BY WHITE ROOF AND INTERIOR LIGHT SHELF

MORNING: DAYLIGHT CONTROLLED WITH LOW-E GLAZING AND VERTICAL LOUVERS

REDUCED SOLAR HEAT GAIN WITH HI-SRI WHITE ROOF

STUDYING

SEARCHING

STORYTELLING

3 H A R M O N I Z I N G W IT H N AT U R E

Designing for Ecosystems The siting works with the natural topography and preserves as many trees as possible. A robust stormwater collection system is visible to the patrons, with placards on pedestrian bridges and surrounding pond to demonstrate the ecological character of the site.

4 HARMONIZING WITH NATURE

Designing for Water Over 70% of the site’s water is collected, filtered, and distributed to the town’s water system, and no potable water is used for irrigation. Where possible, natural materials and landscaping slow down and capture stormwater. Economical plumbing fixtures with sensors and controls mitigate water usage.

5 BUILDING FOR WISE STEWARDSHIP

Designing for Economy The use of long-lasting building systems and equipment, durable exterior and interior materials fabricated regionally, and modules that build in economy of materials have added value to the project for first costs and the life of the project.

6 MINIMIZING CONSUMPTION

Designing for Energy Several design strategies lower the energy consumption costs. The overall building systems use 31% less energy than a code baseline building through efficient lighting, efficient mechanical systems, low-e glazing, minimal west-facing glazing, east and south facing overhangs and shade fins, and general orientation. A solar hot water infrastructure system was installed for heating the water when the building expands in the future. The architects worked with the Wake County Energy Commission to determine the most efficient and durable, long-lasting system for this project, and energy modeling in each design phase confirmed the EUI of the building.

7 HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Designing for Wellbeing Views between the interior and exterior promote engagement with the surrounding community.

The facility is located in an area with sidewalks, bike paths and near bus routes. Programmatically, the library serves all community members and has events for children, teens, and adults. Natural light and views are an essential ingredient in project success, and the main reading areas and program areas have plenty of glass to support biophilic design elements.

8 STRATEGIC USE OF MATERIALS

County design standards required materials to

Designing for Resources

be safe, durable, easy to maintain, and cost effective for this 50-year building. Products include local masonry and metal panel systems, low-emitting interior finishes, and sustainably harvested casework.

9 FUTURE PROOFING

Designing for Change

The project anticipates a future expansion that would double the library’s area, including the location and types of building systems to support future expansion with minimal demolition or interruption of services.

10 CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Designing for Discovery The library surprises and engages the users by bringing them into a modest entry space and then opening up to the large, expansive, lightfilled collections and reading areas. The County intends to track energy usage, patron program changes, and overall staff input to identify best practices for future libraries and share this data with the design team.

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