newbern library book
DESCRIPTION
Designing and Building the Newbern LibraryTRANSCRIPT
NewbernLibraryBook
Morgan AcinoAshley ClarkStephen DurhamWill Gregory
Auburn University Rural Studio
Authorship | All work contained in this book to be considered shared authorship of Stephen Durham, Will Gregory, Ashley Clark and Morgan Acino as students of Auburn University’s Rural Studio. Photographs by the design/build team unless otherwise noted.
Special Thanks | Acino Family, Alex Henderson, Alicia Branstetter Cramer Inc., Adam Grigsby, Adam Levet, Adam Hopfner, Alex Therrien, Alisa McLeod, Andrew Freear, Angela Cabil, Anna Daley, Anne Honeycutt, Asa Porter, Audrey Hodges, Avaleen Porter Kennedy Public Library, Bart Garvin Garvin Industries, Ben Malaier, Betty Golden Eva Public Library, Bill Hooper Kawneer, Bill Mackey, Billie Tsien, Bob Bagdigian, Bonita Benner, Bonnie MacEwan, Brad Schmidt, Brady Whicker, Brenda Wilkerson, Brett Jones, Brian MacKay-Lyons, Brian Vice, Bryson Unruh, Callie Eitzen, Cameron Acheson, Carlayne’ Jordan, Carley Chastain, Carolyn Hemstreet Hale County Library, Cassandra Morgan, Catherine Tabb, Charles Nichols, Cheryl Noel, Chip DeGrace Interface/Flor, Christian Dagg, Christine Bagdigian, Christopher Hagen Hunter Douglas Contract, Chuck Harris Plantation Cypress, Claire Maxfield, Clark Family, Clifton Burt, Cody Franklin, Coleman Coker, Connie Berardinelli, Corky Graves, Dan Rockhill, Dan Wheeler, Daniel Toner, Danielle Henry, Dara Hosey, David Hill, David Hinson, David Gowan, David Perkes, Debbie Deason, Dennis Jacobson Merrill Mfg., Dick Hudgins, Donna Dirks, Dylan Cochran, Durham Family, Edmund Ng Koncept, Elena Barthel, Ellie Stiebel Stiebel-Eltron, Emilie Hagen, Emilie Taylor, Eric Ball, Frances Roberts, Frances Sullivan, Frank Harmon, Gabby Rush, Gaines Blackwell, Gayle Etheridge, Gene McBride Pella, Glenda Cardwell Rockford Public Library, Glenn Murcutt, Grant Wright, Greg Schmidt, Gregory Family, Gwen Melton, Hank Koning, Hanna Pope, Hector and Carolyn Llorens, Hillary Morgan, Jake LaBarre, James Crockett, Jane Fuller, Janine Mwenja, Jay Lamar, Jennifer Stewart Arley Public Library, Jennifer Lomas, Jeremy Van Orman, Jerry Washburn, Jessica Walker, Jill Panvica Global Industries, Jillian Hopkins, Jim Adamson, Jim Turnipseed, Turnipseed International, Joe Farruggia and Family, John Forney, John Hopkins, John Marusich, John Peterson, John Ringel, John Sydnor, John Allen Courtney, Johnny Parker, Jonathan Burman Guardian Insulation, Jonathan Roll iFoam Insulation, Josiah Brown, Julia Long, Julie Eizenberg, Justin Miller, Kasia Leousis, Katherine Bobo, Katie Wood, Katrina Van Vaulkenburgh, Katy Culver LG, Keith Cochran, Kelly Gruhn, Kelyn Relya, Kendricca Gladden, Kenneth House Guardian Insulation, Kevin Goff, Kevin Moore, Kristen Gruhn, Kurt Kistler Kistler-McDougall Corp., Kyle Wherry, Lani George Cabiness Paint & Decorating - Benjamin Moore, Lauren Batts Hansgrohe, Leah Avery, Lee Dow, Linda Davis Moundville Public Library, Linda Yang, Louise Scott, Lucy Begg, Mack Scogin, Mackenzie Stagg, Maggie Scott, Malcolm McRae, Margaret Fletcher, Marion Mougey, Marla Cole, Marlon Blackwell, Mary Swanzy, Mary McGarity, Mary Jane Everett, Mary Margaret Jenrath, Matthew Pugh Freeman Sheet Metal & Roofing, Megan Wood, Melissa Denney, Merrill Elam, Michael Clemmer, Michaela Robinson, Michelle Walker Somerville Public Library, Mike Sullivan, Mike Newman, Mike Pyatok, Nancy Pack, Nancy Spetnagel, Natalie Butts, Nina Wolgelenter Big Ass Fans, Ning Shi, Olivia Backer, Patches the Cat, Patrick Braxton, Paul Mims, Paul Stoller, Pete Landon, Peter Gluck, Peter McInish, R. Scott Williams, Ralston Long, Ravi Ricker, Rebecca Duffin, Rebecca Mitchell, Rena Baker, Rick Joy, Robert Gay, Robert Klinner Evolutia, Ronnie Thomas, Roy Decker, Rusty Smith, Sam Moffett, Sara Beasley Loachapoka Public Library, Sarah Barr, Sarah Wigglesworth, Scott Finn, Scott Peacock, Sean Kennedy, Shannon Peede Dow Corning, Shannon Saeger WS Bath Collections, Sheri Schumacher, Skip Redner Knoll, Stephanie Taylor, Steve Badanes, Steve Dumez, Steve Long, Steve Protzman, Ted Cater Panasonic, Ted Flato, Thelma Brown, Theodore Hillin, Tiffany Robbins Georgia Pacific, Tim Owen, Tod Williams, Tom Kundig, Tomas Lopez, Townsend Kyser, Trent Tepool, Trevor Johnson, Tyler Courtney, Vini Nathan, Walker Courtney, Wendell Burnette, Walthall Family, Will McGarity, Xavier Vendrell, Zane Morgan, Zev Powell
This book is dedicated to all the friends of Rural Studio.
Context
PlaceCommunity Partners and ImpactSite
Schematic Design
Role of the Contemporary LibrarySiting an AdditionAdaptive Reuse
Designing and Building
Deconstruction and StabilizationEnvelopeConnection and CladdingFenestrationBookcaseAlcoves and ArtifactsLight, Air and SoundSignage and FurnitureCourtyard
010018024
038046052
070090104118136148166178198
ContextPlace Community Partners and ImpactSite
010018024
010 / Context
Place
Among the catfish farms and timber forests, Newbern maintains its presence as an active small town in the rural West Alabama Black Belt. Historically, Newbern was an agricultural hub for cotton growers, once housing a gin and railway stop. With the depletion of fertile soil, Newbern struggles as a rural town with the absence of steady agriculture and industry. Because of this, Newbern and southern Hale County remains one of the most economically challenged areas in the country. Despite the economic decline, the rolling prairies, water-ways, and pine forests have created a majestic backdrop for which resilient dairy barns and antebellum homes sit in juxtaposition with run down trailers and abandoned stores.
Place / 011
Useful Land | A flooded creek cuts through
a cattle ranch along Highway 61 between
Newbern and Uniontown. The quiet and
pastoral landscape of Hale County has been
nearly untouched for the past fifty years.
012 / Context
014 / Context
Downtown Newbern |overleaf and above| When
Alabama Highway 61 was still referred to as
Main Street, Newbern had a bustling downtown
with a highly regarded hotel and several stores,
surrounded by large antebellum homes. Since
the agricultural decline and the establishment
of the highway, only the post office and
mercantile store remain in use. Rural Studio's
interest in Newbern has led to the tenancy of
several abandoned buildings as well as the
construction of a Town Hall and Fire Station.
U.S. Geological Survey |opposite| The majority
of Newbern's 189 residents live outside the
town limits in a suburban/rural setting, a result
of the town's agricultural history. This lifestyle
relies on automobile transportation to the town
and surrounding areas for access to education
and work.
016 / Context
Rural Studio | Established in 1993 by Samuel
Mockbee and D.K. Ruth, Auburn University's
Rural Studio has built hundreds of residential
and community projects throughout Hale
and surrounding counties. As an off-campus
design/build program of the College of
Architecture, Planning, and Landscape
Architecture, the Rural Studio teaches students
the value of sustainable, community based
design. Pictured are the Newbern Town Hall,
completed in 2013, and the Volunteer Fire
Station, completed in 2005.
Place / 017
Red Barn | In the heart of downtown, Red
Barn houses the design studios for the Auburn
students. Its untidy appearance and patchwork
construction exemplify the use of the building
as a hands-on teaching lab and medium for
collaboration. In the brutal heat of summer
and bitter cold of winter, students meet with
consultants, critics, and community partners to
develop their designs and details.
018 / Context
Community Partners & Impact
In 2012, a group of citizens recognized the need for a community center in Southern Hale County. They believed a library would provide educational and social resources currently unavailable. They formed a library board, whose mission is to establish a library as a place to preserve books and local history, and to stimulate an interest in learning among children. The library board approached the Rural Studio for help with the design, construction, and implementation of their vision. The construction of the building and establishment of the institution would not have been possible without the support of the citizens of Southern Hale County and government officials on the state, county, and local level.
Story Times | In the fall of 2014 with
construction progressing on the building, the
library board hosted a weekly story time for
local children. Each week followed a theme,
and kids listened to stories and participated in
crafts around that theme. The Newbern Library
plans to host programs such as this throughout
the year.
020 / Context
Newbern Library Board | In the summer of
2012, a group of Newbern citizens formed the
non-profit Newbern Library Board. Pictured
from left to right: Gwen Melton, Louise Scott,
Andrew Freear, Thelma Brown, Frances
Sullivan, and Marla Cole. Not pictured: Mary
Jane Everett.
Community Partners and Impact / 021
Wathall Family | The children of former
Newbern mayor Robert L. Walthall have an
interest in the upkeep and future of the town.
Because of this, the Walthall family generously
offered an inexpensive long-term lease to the
library board, with the stipulation that the
building remains a library. Throughout the
design and construction, the student team met
with the family for approval on the direction of
the project.
022 / Context
Sunshine School |above| Located 5 miles from
downtown Newbern, Sunshine was a K-12 Hale
County Public School serving Newbern and
unincorporated surrounding areas. With the
closure of the school following the 2014-2015
school year, the 250 students at Sunshine must
travel to Greensboro or Moundville for school.
Gauging Interest |opposite| To better
understand interest in the library and potential
programs among children living in Newbern,
the team created a short survey distributed to
1st-11th graders at Sunshine School. Topics of
interest included methods of transportation,
the desire to receive homework help, favorite
books, and favorite place to read (original
drawings pictured).
Community Partners and Impact / 023
024 / Context
Site
At the corner of Highway 61 and School Street, the old bank building serves as a bookend for downtown and billboard for those approaching Newbern from the south. Built in 1906 as the first bank in Hale County, it remained operational until the Great Depression and sought to repay the citizens keeping their money there. Since that time, the building briefly served as an insurance office, storage building, and the polling place for southern Hale County. To the north of the bank, a vacant lot and private gas pump served the owners of the building. Because of the building’s brick construction, prominent storefront and history, it is an iconic image for Newbern.
Site / 025
Centennial | The bank building at dusk, on its
106th birthday. Through the large storefront
windows, the teller wall and vault door were
clearly visible to passersby.
026 / Context
Site / 027
Historic Newbern c. 1950 | Prior to the
establishment of Highway 61, the sidewalks of
downtown Newbern were lined with elm trees.
Historically, diagonal parking was located
on Main Street but after the widening of the
highway people began informally pulling up
to the front doors of buildings. The Bank of
Newbern Building (left) was unpainted and
capped with a horizontal awning.
028 / Context
Site / 029
Elevations |above| The east fa�ade has a
striking front door, flanked by cast iron columns
and large storefront windows. Floor and ceiling
vents dot the northern and southern facades
above tall double hung windows. Parapets
conceal the sloped roof, raising the overall
height of the building and its sense of scale. The
textured painted brick transforms a flat surface
into a dynamic, shadowy plane.
Site Plan |opposite| Nestled among patches
of forests and catfish ponds, downtown
Newbern runs along Highway 61 between
School St. and County Rd. 16. Commercial and
civic buildings are oriented on an east-west
axis with storefronts facing the road. Beyond
the centralized downtown, density quickly
decreases to the rural surrounding of trailer
home communities and farmsteads.
030 / Context
Site / 031
Existing Plan and Section |opposite| Customers
entered into a large front room traversed by a
teller wall separating the public and bank staff.
Behind the teller wall, money was secured in a
vault protected by four wythes of brick and a
thick steel door. To the west of the main room
is an office and storage closet that was made
a bathroom after the bank closed. In section,
the roof sloped west and water was caught in
a gutter running along the back. Floor joists
create a crawl space between the finish floor
and Alabama clay below.
Finding Artifacts |above| In their current
condition and layout, the teller wall and vault
were not conducive to the layout of a modern
library, but because of their iconography,
the team wanted to reintroduce them in the
finished library.
032 / Context
Site / 033
Interior Space | Light floods through tall
windows and is reflected off the white walls
and 12' ceilings. A dark stained heart pine
floor and wide plank bead board ceiling run
through the back office and front room. A
layer of thick white plaster covered the brick
walls and juxtaposed the dark stained trim
and baseboards. Electrical wiring, lighting, and
plumbing were haphazardly added throughout
the buildings life.
034 / Context
Moisture Issues | During the survey, the team
discovered that the brick vault walls were
sitting on their own concrete foundation built
directly on the clay. Thus ground water wicked
up through the walls and condensed on the
vault door in colder temperatures. On both the
interior and exterior, this condensation caused
the vault door to rust and decay.
Site / 035
Materials to Reuse | Many of the historic interior
materials were well preserved and could be
re-imagined. The heart pine floor and bead
board ceiling were cleaned, sealed and reused
as a cladding material. The vault bricks were
removed one by one and used in the courtyard
for a ramp, hardscape surface, and fence.
036 / Schematic Design
SchematicDesignRole of the Contemporary LibrarySiting an AdditionAdaptive Reuse
038046052
038 / Schematic Design
Role of the Contemporary Library
With the advancement of technology, the way people use and inhabit the public library is changing. Technology gives people the ability to connect with others around the world, making a library a community center that encourages social interaction rather than just being a place to store books. Despite technological advancements, the tactile nature and sharing of books between members of the community inspires a thirst for knowledge. By providing both resources within a building with an iconic presence, the Newbern Library can be a place of civic pride for the people of Newbern, creating a connected citizenry through shared knowledge.
The Role of a Modern Library / 039 Site / 039
Visiting Small Town Libraries | To understand
the role of a modern library in small town
Alabama, the team visited libraries in towns
with a population of 750 or less and a school
within 5 miles. These towns also had a library
with a service population less than 1,500, the
estimated service population for the Newbern
Library. After researching the budgets and
circulation numbers, the team needed to
understand the services and programs
provided by the libraries to members of the
communities.
040 / Schematic Design
Road Trip |opposite| From left to right, the trip
included visits to Akron, Kennedy, Arley, Eva,
Sommerville, Rockford, Elmore, Greensboro,
and Loachapoka (not pictured).
Talking with Experts |above| Betty Golden, the
head librarian at Eva Public Library, explains
a typical day at the library. Eva has excellent
children's resources as well as a popular
couponing class for the community. They
stressed the growing interest in technology at
public libraries as well as the importance of the
library as a community center.
Role of the Contemporary Library / 041
042 / Schematic Design
Program | With the information from the small
town library visits applied to the context of
Newbern, the program includes book storage,
computer stations, a place to check out books,
storage areas, a place for collaboration, a place
to read and work independently, a children's
area, a stage, and a place to store the oral
and visual history of Newbern. Because the
function of the library is to encourage a social
environment, many of these activities will
overlap.
Role of the Contemporary Library / 043
044 / Schematic Design
Transitional Library | Traditional libraries were
places to store books within an impressive
civic space. Libraries today have evolved into
collaborative places where people go to create,
reflect, and share ideas, often emphasizing
technology over books. Pictured above, Trinity
College Library in Dublin and a library in
Copenhagen by COBE.
Role of the Contemporary Library / 045
046 / Schematic Design
Siting an Addition
Within the context of Newbern, the team explored three main strategies for building an addition to the bank, the urban infill scheme, the courtyard scheme, and the linear extrusion. The criteria for which these were evaluated included strengthening the urban condition, the efficiency both programmatically and environmentally, the resultant space created to the north of the bank building, and the impact of the addition adjacent to the old bank building.
The urban infill scheme expands to the north, adding a storefront and filling a vacant lot along Main Street. The courtyard scheme situates the addition perpendicular to the existing building, creating a large porch and framing a courtyard along the street. The linear extrusion extends the building to the west, keeping the iconic storefront of the bank building and allowing the lot to the north to be developed into a courtyard for the library or future urban development.
Siting an Addition / 047
Addition Matrix | Besides the location and
orientation of the addition, the way in which the
addition touched the bank was considered. The
addition could be a separate building, a direct
extrusion from the old building, or connected
with a covered dogtrot or an airtight vestibule.
048 / Schematic Design
Bank of Newbern building Morrisette Housedining room
Newbern Town Hallcouncil chambermeeting room
Newbern Mercantile Red Barncritique room
Red Barnthesis studio and work room
Thesis Barn Wood Shop Newbern Fire Station Newbern Fire Stationupstairs meeting platform
SPACE REFERENCES 1/16” = 1’
Bank of Newbern building Morrisette Housedining room
Newbern Town Hallcouncil chambermeeting room
Newbern Mercantile Red Barncritique room
Red Barnthesis studio and work room
Thesis Barn Wood Shop Newbern Fire Station Newbern Fire Stationupstairs meeting platform
SPACE REFERENCES 1/16” = 1’
Survey of Newbern Spaces | As spatial
references in proposing a formal addition, the
team diagrammed familiar Newbern buildings
and their interiors. Most are long, rectangular
rooms, typical of historic urban commercial
neighborhoods.
Siting an Addition / 049
Bank of Newbern building Morrisette Housedining room
Newbern Town Hallcouncil chambermeeting room
Newbern Mercantile Red Barncritique room
Red Barnthesis studio and work room
Thesis Barn Wood Shop Newbern Fire Station Newbern Fire Stationupstairs meeting platform
SPACE REFERENCES 1/16” = 1’
050 / Schematic Design
Infill and "L" Schemes | Although it created
an additional storefront to downtown, the
urban infill scheme fell short with its intrusive
connection to the bank on a long facade, On
the interior, the team found it more difficult to
program the building and maintain sight lines
for the librarian. The "L" scheme frames an
outdoor space between the bank, thesis barn,
and highway 61 and creates a long porch on the
east fa�ade of the addition. This scheme did not
achieve a cohesive space nor maintain strong
sight lines for the librarian, but did present the
opportunity for sections of the library to be
open based on the number of visitors.
Siting an Addition / 051
Extrusion Scheme | Based on the delicate
connection between the old and new, the
courtyard to the north of the building, the
cohesion of the interior space, and the
continuation of the vernacular form of other
buildings in downtown Newbern, the extrusion
to the west was the most appropriate strategy
for adding on to the bank building.
052 / Schematic Design
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse refers to reusing an existing building for a purpose other than what it was originally designed for, in this case, adapting a bank into a library. The masonry shell of the existing building was preserved from the exterior, with a contrasting addition clad in local cypress siding. Bookshelves re-center a new space within the width of the old building creating a reading room for library patrons and community events. Complementing the larger public space, a series of alcoves within the bookshelves accommodate computers, private study nooks, window seats, storage closets, bathrooms, and access the outdoors. A courtyard along the north of the building provides library patrons with shaded outdoor reading and activity space.
Adaptive Reuse / 053
Insertion Model | Treating the bank building as
a shell, an addition and cohesive library interior
can be imagined as an insertion into the back of
the existing building.
054 / Schematic Design
Creating Space with Books | The team
identified five potential book organization
schemes fitting with the insertion concept.
The insulation scheme wraps the perimeter
walls with books, creating an open space
defined by walls of books. The wall scheme
uses a single mass housing books, services, and
spaces floating in the room. The field scheme
disperses bookshelves throughout the space.
The object scheme creates a room within a
room, an enclosed space built of books. The
enfilade scheme creates a progression of rooms
defined by rows of shelves housing different
programmatic elements.
Adaptive Reuse / 055
Designing with Light | Uniform ambient light
from natural and artificial sources is essential
for the longevity of books and comfort of
patrons. However through the strategic
placement of windows and skylights, the
resulting light levels designate spaces and
activities within a larger room.
056 / Schematic Design
Ideal Width |opposite| Realizing the potential
in narrowing the interior, the team used poch�
diagrams of various thickened wall depths
to locate the main space within the building
width. The poch� will house program as well,
requiring one side to be thicker and the interior
strategically asymmetrical.
Process Perspective |above| An early collage
rendering begins to express the idea of creating
a larger zone of activity, with eddies of space
alongside for bookshelves and other programs.
Adaptive Reuse / 057
058 / Schematic Design
Room of Books | With the ideal width
established, the team revisited book
organization strategies and space making.
Bookcases oriented perpendicular to the main
space create nooks for additional program
between them while a wall of books surrounds
the main space and houses program within the
bookshelf thickness.
Adaptive Reuse / 059
Spatial Mock-ups | The team mocked-up
the ideal width in the bank building using
landscape fabric, a folding table and some
chairs. Occupying the space along with altering
a photograph to imagine the full length of the
interior helped the team understand the feeling
of being in a 14' wide room made of books.
060 / Schematic Design
Alcoves within the Bookcase | In the main
space, the height of the bank ceiling was
continued into the addition, forming a single
ceiling plane. In the northern book wall,
changes in section give the various alcoves
distinct identities.
Adaptive Reuse / 061
062 / Schematic Design
Views of the Interior |above| Upon entering,
patrons are greeted by the librarian and
surrounded by books in the main social
space with collaborative work areas and
casual seating. Natural light pours through
the large windows, illuminating the alcoves
and bookshelves. At the table, patrons feel
comfortable sitting independently or in groups.
The garden alcove, flanked by storage closets
at the threshold, has a strong connection with
the courtyard to the north.
Plan |opposite| Patrons enter through the
original bank doors into a vestibule with a
new, efficient airtight door. The vestibule leads
into the large social space occupied by the
librarian's desk at the front, a large table for
collaborative and individual work in the middle,
and a casual living room like setting with flexible
furniture at the back. Two accessible restrooms
flank a second entry to courtyard and parking.
To the north of the building, a grove of trees
and boundary from the street and parking
create a safe and flexible outdoor space. The
parking lot is to the rear of the building.
064 / Schematic Design
Adaptive Reuse / 065
066 / Schematic Design
Exterior Materiality |above| The exterior of
the addition sought to compliment rather than
compete with the beauty and civic nature of the
bank. Wood is a vernacular building material
commonly seen on churches and commercial
buildings. Lighter than the brick and full of
character, wood was chosen as the cladding for
the addition.
View from the Living Room |overleaf| Adjacent
to the living room space, the raised children's
alcove is wrapped with a soft, bright material to
provide a place for kids to gather individually or
for story time.
Adaptive Reuse / 067
Siding Studies | The above renderings
investigated the relationship between the
dimension of a board and the dimension of a
brick, the amount of contrast between a darker
addition and the white bank, and the difference
between a vertical and horizontal board. These
studies were done in conjunction with window
placement and the relationship between new
windows and the existing.
068 / Schematic Design
070 / Designing and Building
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 071
Designing& BuildingDeconstruction and StabilizationEnvelopeConnection and CladdingFenestrationBookcaseAlcoves and ArtifactsLight, Air and SoundSignage and FurnitureCourtyard
070090104118136148166178198
072 / Designing and Building
Deconstruction & Stabilization
As an adaptive reuse, the library required a non-traditional process, where both design and construction overlapped to inform one another throughout the project. In April 2013, the team began the deconstruction process, carefully archiving the building finishes and assessing it’s condition while disassembling the interior. The next step required the help of structural engineer Joe Farruggia of Chicago to devise a plan for removing the west wall while maintaining lateral stability for the building. The resulting process included removing the back wall in phases. The first step required creating an opening large enough for the bobcat to enter. Then later, after pouring a small slab within the existing structure and temporarily bracing the building, the remainder of the wall was removed to open up the back of the building.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 073
Wall Removal | The first step to the
deconstruction process was the demolition of a
lathe and plaster partition wall in the center of
the bank building.
074 / Designing and Building
Teller Wall Survey and Deconstruction | After
investigating the structure and connections of
the old teller wall, the team was able to carefully
deconstruct the piece without any damage
to the original mill work. Understanding the
original modulations of the piece was critical for
proper deconstruction.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 075
076 / Designing and Building
Ceiling Deconstruction | Careful investigation
of the original materials led to the decision to
deconstruct and reuse the old bead-board
ceiling and heart pine floor boards. At this
point in construction it was not clear where or
how much of these materials would be used in
the new library so the team carefully cleaned
and stored all of the wood in a nearby barn for
future use.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 077
Vault Removal | After deconstructing the
old brick vault with hammer and chisel, the
old vault door was carefully secured shut,
ornamentation temporarily removed and
prepared for storage. The team built a cart to
fit the door using casters from a lamella jig used
for a previous Rural Studio project. Then the
vault was tipped onto the cart and strapped
behind a golf cart for transportation to storage.
078 / Designing and Building
Foundation Drainage |opposite| The foundation
collected water beneath the crawl space as the
surrounding grade had built up over time. The
solution involved pouring a new slab within
the old bank walls (to eliminate the need to
ventilate or insulate the crawl space beneath
the floor) and installing a french drain at the
base of the foundation to prevent water from
soaking the structure.
Foundation Repair and Protection |above| A
combination of solutions went into solving the
water infiltration. The perimeter was excavated,
footings pressure washed and scrubbed clean.
Then an application of ThoroSeal dampproofing
was applied to the old footings. Finally, a french
drain was installed at the base of the footing
which would collect and carry water away from
the building, moving the water down the site
along an existing drainage ditch to the west.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 079
080 / Designing and Building
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 081
082 / Designing and Building
Interior Excavation | Once the hole was cut
in the back wall the bobcat was able to move
inside to remove the saturated top soil beneath
the old floor structure. The team surveyed the
existing soil with the pocket penetrometer to
understand how much dirt needed to removed
and replaced with engineered soil.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 083
Concrete Preparation | After the bad dirt was
removed and engineered dirt was compacted in
place, four inches of #57 limestone gravel was
spread and leveled precisely, then compacted.
084 / Designing and Building
Concrete Pour #1 | Pouring the new slab
inside the old building proved to be more
difficult than anticipated. An elevated screed
board was installed to set a consistent
level for the concrete, yet still the 24 wide
section of concrete was difficult to manage.
Fortunately this slab was always intended to
be covered with a new wooden sub floor so the
inconsistences in the concrete were not a major
problem.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 085
086 / Designing and Building
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 087
Bracing Placement |opposite| Within the new
stud walls, metal studs were installed at the
points specified by the engineer. These metal
studs were installed in addition to the normal
two foot wood stud spacing and were critical
in the connection to the old brick walls. Kickers
were fastened to the metal studs, located so
that future shear walls could be built between
the temporary bracing. Once the bracing was
installed, the back wall was removed.
Joe FarruggiaStructural EngineerChicago
Throughout the design and construction process, the team communicated with Joe via early morning phone calls to discuss structural decisions, both conceptual and technical. Joe’s experience was crucial in understanding how to restructure a new interior space within the shell of the old building.
088 / Designing and Building
Designing the Concrete Pour Process | Before
the second pour, the team consulted with a
group of former Rural Studio students (who
designed and built the concrete skate park in
Lions Park). They suggested breaking up the
pours into smaller portions: beginning with the
first and third section, then removing the in
between formwork so that the the new slabs
could be used to screed between for the last
two sections.
Deconstruction and Stabilization / 089
Concrete Pour #2 | Although the skip pour
process required more formwork, the concrete
was much easier to control, level and finish.
090 / Designing and Building
Envelope
As a young non-profit institution in a rural community, the Newbern Library expects to have limited annual funds, therefore minimizing the operating expenses of the library was a primary goal for the project. To achieve this, providing a well-insulated, tightly sealed envelope is imperative. In this case the completed project uses two types of spray foam, each with unique properties treating the wood framed addition and the masonry walls.
The team also restored the original passive strategies for the southern climate by providing cross-ventillation through replacement windows, repainting the building white to reflect the hot summer sun and installing a new awning to shade the large east facing storefront. Together with efficient mechanical systems, these strategies contribute to a well performing building.
Envelope / 091
Sheathing | OSB sheathing is fastened to the
stud walls of the library addition. One of the
many lessons learned on siteÑhow to carry
things: yourself, a nail gun, your tools and 4x8
sheets of material. Although sometimes you just
need an extra set of hands (or two).
092 / Designing and Building
Insulation Strategies | Throughout the design
phase, the team researched and explored
numerous possibilities for properly insulating
the brick walls. The biggest question involved
the placement of the moisture and vapor
barriers within the wall and roof assemblies.
Envelope / 093
Detailed Sections | When closed cell spray
foam was determined to be the appropriate
solution for insulating the brick walls (above
left), this influenced the decision to insulate
directly beneath the roof deck and eliminate the
plenum space above the ceiling. Open cell foam
was used under the roof deck and against the
wood framed addition (above right) since both
already had a moisture barrier on the exterior of
the envelope.
5-1/2" Open Cell Spray
Foam
2x6 Stud Framing
OSB Sheathing
Tar Paper
1x4 Battens
3/4" Novelty Siding
6"+ Open Cell Spray Foam
2" Closed Cell Spray Foam
6" Open Cell Spray Foam
2x4 Stud Framing
Existing Brick Walls
Thoro-Seal Damp Proofing
4" Flexible Perforated Pipe
094 / Designing and Building
Envelope / 095
Framing the Addition |above| During an
unusually snowy winter, the team began
framing the exterior walls of the addition. Built
in manageable sections for a small team to lift
in place, the framing contains double bottom
and top plates to allow the team to shim
between the concrete and connect the sections
of the walls across the top.
Framing Drawings |opposite| The student team
worked to calculate the appropriate sized lintels
for the windows in the addition. Dealing back
and forth with the engineer in Chicago allowed
the team to refine their verbal and hand
drawing communication skills.
096 / Designing and Building
Envelope / 097
098 / Designing and Building
Tapered Rafters |above| Morgan and Stephen
attach tapered rafters to the new TJIs.
They were cut using a jig and skill saw from
dimensional lumber to maximize the material
and get two rafters from each cut. Finally they
were nailed in place, with blocking between to
provide stiffness.
Roof Assembly |opposite and overleaf| With the
help of a catfish boom truck, the team installed
24-foot TJIs to span the walls of the addition
and replace the damaged joists in the old bank.
Parapet walls were installed on top of the TJIs,
then tapered rafters to provide the desired
slope toward the connection and the roof was
sheathed with plywood. Freeman Sheet Metal
& Roofing from Tuscaloosa installed a TPO
membrane over the entire roof and capped the
parapet with galvalume coping.
Envelope / 099
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Spray Foam Installation |above| Due to the
highly technical installation procedure, students
contracted with local spray foam installer,
iFoam, to insulate beneath the roof substrate
and within the walls.
Insulation Conditions |opposite| Closed
cell spray foam was used for it's moisture
impermeability against the brick, while more
affordable open cell foam was used in the
conventionally framed addition.
Envelope / 101
102 / Designing and Building
Sleepers and Subfloor |above| Once the
exterior envelope was completed a new 3/4"
plywood subfloor was installed over 2x4
sleepers on top of the rough concrete.
Interior Framing |opposite| Once completely
dried in, new interior studs was were installed
to frame up the alcoves. These walls provided
shear support for the old bank walls.
Envelope / 103 Section Title / 103
104 / Designing and Building
Connection & Cladding
As a historic civic building within a small town, the old bank building has always been an icon for the community. Adding onto to this treasure in a modest and respectful manor proved to be the biggest design challenge. Conceptually, the addition is perceived as a new wood structure inserted within the walls of the old bank building. The subtle, bleached cypress siding is a modest box, taking cues from the brick, while giving the old bank it’s due gravitas. At the connection where the old and new meet, their two roofs slope into a concealed gutter. Here the team chose to celebrate this connection with a galvanized steel scupper that collects the roof water and a corresponding aluminum joint. This steel detailing is repeated at the corners and informs the remaining details for the project.
Connection and Cladding / 105
South Elevation | This fa�ade shows the
completed project and the relationship
between the existing building and its new
addition. The goal was to create a modest
counterpart that compliments the original
building, without competing with it.
106 / Designing and Building
Connection Detail | Full scale details
were drawn at 1:1 scale and were helpful in
understanding how the layers of different
materials would come together.
Connection and Cladding / 107
Siding Connection |above| An up close view of
the connection detail shows the galvalum metal
slipping into the old brick wall. Steel angle
was used to cap the ends of the cladding and
protect them from weather.
Process Sketch |right| Relating the dimension
of the connection to the scupper resolved the
question of how wide the metal should be.
108 / Designing and Building
Scupper at Work |above| The folded steel
scupper was cut and bent in Newbern by a local
metal shop, then galvanized in Birmingham
before being installed in the gutter. Extending
over three feet past the building, the scupper
projects roof water into the catchment basin
below.
Scupper Detail Drawings |opposite| Because
the internal gutter is a complex and critical
detail in the building, the team drew many
iterations to be sure that all roof water drains
properly.
Connection and Cladding / 109
110 / Designing and Building
Connection and Cladding / 111
112 / Designing and Building
Connection and Cladding / 113
Process Cladding Details |opposite| The team
first looked into all wood detailing for cladding
and window frames/trim, but then began to
look into durable metal transition pieces that
related to the galvanized scupper.
Cladding Color |above| Numerous mock-ups
of siding finish options were tested, from solid
paint to translucent stains. This decision would
effect the perception of the entire addition
against the existing white-painted brick. Finally,
a bleaching oil was chosen to both contrast the
white brick and showcase the texture of the
locally sourced cypress siding.
114 / Designing and Building
Connection and Cladding / 115
Siding Detail |opposite| This partial wall section
depicts how the siding terminates at both the
foundations and parapet.
Siding Installation |above| The novelty siding
creates a horizontal shadow line that relates to
the old brick mortar joints. The dropped profile
of the siding made for a simple installation
process, as each piece nested onto the one
below. The bleaching oil finish will protect the
material and allow for even weathering as the
cypress turns silver.
116 / Designing and Building
Cladding by Night |above| The team installs
cypress siding on the west wall by attaching
each board through the furring strips and into
the stud framing. This rain screen assembly will
make the cypress last longer by allowing it to
dry from both sides, as well as better protecting
the exterior wall sheathing from dampness.
Elevation Studies |opposite| Drawings of each
fa�ade allowed the team to design an ideal
composition of apertures relative to both the
interior and exterior.
Connection and Cladding / 117
118 / Designing and Building
Fenestration
To honor the history of the old bank, the exterior of the old building was treated as a restoration, making renovations consistent with its original construction. The decaying windows and storefront were replaced with traditional windows, and surrounded by layers of intricate trim to mimic the original mouldings. In contrast to the restored windows, the new apertures follow a different language as not to compete with the decorative trim. Using thin galvanized steel frames consistent with the connection, the minimal new window frames and choice of doors create a consistent language of detailing for the addition.
Fenestration / 119
The West Window | The west elevation of the
building is the largest expanse of siding, with
only a small window and hidden storage access
door.
Dan WheelerArchitectChicago
Chicago architect, Dan Wheeler, inspired and informed much of the detailing process. Dan helped the team resolve a simple material language of galvanized steel to create windows, signage and countless other exterior and interior details. The team confirmed details with Dan by hand drawing 1:1 details over and over again until every drip edge and flashing condition was considered.
120 / Designing and Building
Fenestration / 121
Storefront Restoration | It was very important
to the community that the appearance of the
storefront remain the same. Careful surveying
of the fa�ade allowed the team to both thicken
the storefront for insulation purposes and keep
the integrity of the original detailing.
122 / Designing and Building
Fenestration / 123
Old Windows | The original double hung
windows in the bank were restored using
new, double insulated Pella windows. Before
installation, the old brick opening had to be
framed out to the correct size for the new
windows (where the old counterweight system
had been removed). Once the new windows
were installed, layers of trim were
added to create the original profile.
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Window Detailing Process | In contrast to the
old windows in the bank, the intent of the new
windows was to contrast the thick and ornate
frames with thin modern frames that did not
compete with the old trim work. Many iterations
were drawn to investigate the proper size,
material and assembly. Eventually the team
realized a thin metal frame would best suit the
new apertures.
Fenestration / 125
126 / Designing and Building
Fenestration / 127
New Windows | The windows in the addition
were designed to be frameless "punches"
through the bookcase and building envelope.
From the interior, the plywood of the bookshelf
wraps the openings and covers the metal stops
that hold the glass in place. From the exterior
a thin 1/4" galvanized steel frame stops the
cypress siding around the windows. Hidden
behind the siding, four mitered 1.5" angles are
welded to the steel window frame around all
sides and act as a fastening flange. South facing
windows are fitted with roller shade recessed
within the bookshelf.
128 / Designing and Building
Making the Steel Windows | The process
involved drawing files for the fabricator to cut,
grinding the edges of the steel in preparation
for welding, cutting and grinding the angle
flanges, clamping the parts together, welding,
and grinding down again. The windows were
then braced and galvanized in Birmingham.
Once galvanized, bracing was removed and the
window frames were installed into the opening.
Holes were drilled and tapped in the window
stops, insulated glazing units set, and stops
fastened with stainless steel machine screws.
Zane MorganRural Studio Alum and Architectural WelderBirmingham, Alabama
The team worked with Zane to confirm most all of the steel detailing in the project. But most critically, Zane volunteered his time and skill to help fabricate the frames with the precision and craft they required. As a volunteer commuting from Birmingham, the team coordinated with Zane to make sure that all pieces and parts of the process were ready and organized.
Fenestration / 129
130 / Designing and Building
A New Opening in the Old Brick |above| Before
the steel lintel was set, a demo saw was used
to cut a clean vertical edges on both interior
and exterior. Once the lintel was in place, the
bricks beneath could be removed using a
sledge hammer and hammer drill.
Lintel Installation Process |opposite| In order to
install the new window in the brick wall, a new
lintel needed to be set. Communication with
our engineer helped us understand the process
of replacing bricks with a set of steel angles
to transfer the load of the brick wall before
removing the bricks below.
Fenestration / 131
132 / Designing and Building
Caption Title|above| Si beaquatiis asimusam
iumquae rerferferis ea doluption nimusam
quasit aut od eniet es et exerepella vitatur
renda cum qui officat quis et velit minctem
olorera tendame ndanis pro ea nam voluptis et
asped et as eaqui nonsed mincidel maio vitia
pliquia sperum
Fenestration / 133
Garden Window | Similar to the steel windows
in the addition, the "garden room" window
creates a pure punch through the brick wall. In
this small meeting room the large new window
extends to the ceiling, walls and wrap-around
bench to create a large window seat for a few
people to enjoy.
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Fenestration / 135
Back Entry | Following the same language as
the steel windows of the addition, the entry
way is framed with a thin galvanized frame.
The doors were set back into the facade to
provide a covered are to open the doors before
entering, especially important with books or
keys in hand.
136 / Designing and Building
Bookcase
While the exterior clearly expresses the difference between old and new, the inside was an opportunity for a new seamless interior. Stitched together by a continuous bookcase, the main interior space is an elongated open room encased with books. To strengthen this idea and simplify the material pallet, the encasing space is made of a single material, birch plywood, to represent the new interior of the library. This affordable, readily availably material is both structural and beautiful, allowing the plywood to serve as both a bookcase and a sheathing material. With over 150 linear feet of bookcases, it was crucial that the team develop an assembly method that was simple and streamlined, while allowing for reasonable error.
Bookcase / 137
The Bookcase Interior | Modular plywood
bookshelves compose a totally new space
within the walls of the existing building and
addition.
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Modules and Openings | This diagram shows
options for how to puncture the bookcase
module with openings. The options include
following the rigid grid of the module and
making openings conform to the size of the
bookcase module or breaking the structure
of the bookcase and creating a new puncture
through the bookcase.
Bookcase / 139
Coding Alcoves | These diagrams show
different ways of coding the surfaces of the
alcoves. Some explorations looked at making
the alcove materials different than the plywood
bookcases to draw attention to the openings
and their unique differences.
140 / Designing and Building
Plywood Shelving System | As the team began
working with plywood, it was clear that this
lightweight, strong material would be easy to
work with for a number of reasons. The material
was resistant to warping and cracking and was
also something that the team felt comfortable
working with. The warm natural texture of the
plywood also provided a great backdrop for
books in the space. The bookcase design was
developed to make the most economical use of
this 4x8 material. Modules are approximately 8'
wide and backing panel divisions are hidden by
the shelves.
Bookcase / 141
Finding the Perfect Plywood | The team
looked at a variety of types of plywood and
finishes: from American pine to Baltic birch
and everything in between. The team also
considered how the material would weather
over time with normal wear and tear, as well as
tanning from sunlight.
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Bookcase Details | Renderings tested a
number of options for terminating the
bookshelf at an opening. The choice to recess
some intermediate verticals but bring others
flush with the horizontals came from the
understanding of how modules would come
together and how openings would occur within
the shelves.
Bookcase / 143
Tolerance Gaps | After building a number of
mock-ups the team realized that the bookcase
needed room for error. These tolerance gaps
allowed a new module or opening to start plum
and level even if the module before it was 1/16"
out of square. These tolerance gaps not only
provided ease of construction but also became
a delightful building detail that is consistent
around the entire space.
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Bookcase Fabrication and Assembly | The
individual pieces were CNC-routed in Auburn
from 4x8 plywood pieces picked up in
Montgomery. Labeled pieces stacked efficiently
for transport back to Newbern, where they
were sanded, lacquered, sanded, and lacquered
again. Finished pieces were then attached to
the backing in an egg crate fashion to make
a module. Individual modules stacked one on
top of the other and side by side and installed
around the library.
Sean KennedyShop SupervisorAuburn University
Sean processed all of the CAD files designed by the team to program the CNC machine. The router bit traveled approximately 2 miles to cut the bookshelf pieces and drilled 40,942 holes to perforate the acoustic ceiling.
Bookcase / 145
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Bookcase / 147
148 / Designing and Building
Alcoves and Artifacts
Complementing the large social space filled with books, smaller alcoves along the north offer a variety of both public and private rooms for independent work, collaboration in small groups, services and private storage for the librarian. Accessed by walking through the bookcase, each space has a different relationship both with the main space and the garden to the north. Each room is unique in both volume and materiality, offering a place for old materials and artifacts from the old bank to be reimagined and appreciated within the library. Clearly contrasted against the new plywood, these special materials offer surprises to delight patrons and honor the building’s past.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 149
Wall of Alcoves | Pictured from left to
right, children's alcove, second entry (with
restrooms), study room, garden alcove with
access to storage, computer alcove and social
alcove (Founders Room).
150 / Designing and Building
Vault Door (Re)Installation | A group of Rural
Studio third year students help push the old
vault door into its new plywood opening.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 151
Founders Room | Against the old storefront,
the Founders Room is the most public of
the alcoves. Wrapped in plywood, the room
includes the old vault door and a large plaque
displaying the names of library supporters.
152 / Designing and Building
Computer Desk Dimensions | Understanding
the human scale in relation to the desk and
cabinets was crucial in determining proper size
and location of cabinets.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 153
Computer Alcove | Adjacent to the Librarian's
desk, the computer alcove offers a bit of
privacy for patrons to work on computers. The
room, wrapped in plywood with custom desks
and cabinets, provides an ergonomic and useful
space for both patrons and librarians.
154 / Designing and Building
Storage Space | This private alcove provides
a place for the librarians to securely store
large items. Built in plywood similar to the
bookshelves, these shelves were painted for
easy maintenance in the future.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 155
Maximizing Storage | During the design of
the storage room, the team met periodically
with the library board to discuss placement
of storage elements and other items that the
board wanted the ability to store. All spaces
above alcoves were made accessible by hidden
panels, for long term storage.
156 / Designing and Building
Garden Room | This alcove is a place to sit, relax
and enjoy the garden and courtyard from inside
the library. A wrap around bench provides a
meeting place for small groups or individuals.
The room is wrapped in the bank's original
heart pine flooring.
Alcoves & Artifacts / 157 Alcoves and Artifacts / 157
158 / Designing and Building
Reusing the Heart Pine Flooring | In both the
garden alcove and the quiet study room, the
old heart pine floor was used to wrap the entire
space: floor, walls and ceiling. The wood was
cleaned, de-nailed and tongue removed for
easy install and consistent joints. All joints were
mitered to create a seamless surface in the
garden and quiet study rooms. The direction
of the wood also provided an opportunity to
enforce either the view outdoors or the tall
ceilings.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 159
Quiet Study Room | This alcove provides
a place for an individual with a tutor to work
quietly away from the main space of the
library. Along with the old heart pine floor, a
portion of the old teller desk was reintroduced
into this room. Two steel magnet boards
bounce light and offer a place to display
Newbern history within the space.
160 / Designing and Building
Circulation Desk and Entry | The old teller
cabinetry made the perfect enclosure for the
librarian's desk. Folded steel details provide
a tall counter along the front of the desk and
cap exposed edges of the old wood. A custom
plywood desk accommodates filing cabinets
and a recessed area for a printer. The desk is
placed across from the computer alcove so
the librarian can monitor computer usage, and
close to the front entry to welcome visitors.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 161
162 / Designing and Building
ADA Restrooms |opposite| The accessible
bathrooms are clad in the bank's old bead
board ceiling, oriented vertically to emphasize
the tall spaces naturally lit through SolaTube
skylights. Custom doors were carefully
assembled and installed to create flush surfaces
aligning with wall planes inside and outside the
restrooms.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 163
164 / Designing and Building
Living Room | Nestled in the turn of the
bookcase at the back of the library, the "living
room" is a flexible space to gather for story
time or host a knitting club. This space also
transitions into a lecture space for a more
formal event.
Alcoves and Artifacts / 165
Children's Alcove | This alcove breaks the rigor
of the other alcoves and offers a playful raised
space for parents to gather their children and
read a story. Wrapped in carpet, this soft space
allows for comfortable seating as well as an
absorbent acoustic material. The room also
offers a nice view of the Newbern playground in
the distance. Adjacent to the living room area,
the bench-height floor of the alcove provides
additional seating.
166 / Designing and Building
Light, Air and Sound
In designing the interior of the library and the reuse of the old Bank Building, special consideration was given to the atmospheric quality of the space. Specific materials, methods, and systems were chosen to compose a quiet, bright, comfortable space. The replaced double hung windows employ an age-old ventilation strategy. Efficient lighting and mechanical systems condition the space while keeping the utility bills affordable for the young organization. Operable shading systems, ceiling fans, and task lighting allow users to adjust their immediate environment. These mechanical and lighting systems are integrated into the space so as not to detract from the books lining the shelves.
Light, Air and Sound / 167
Sketching Air | Early diagrams explored passive
systems and methods to control daylighting
and natural ventilation.
168 / Designing and Building
Sun Angle Studies | These diagrams informed
the proper placement of glass within the depth
of the wall thickness to keep harsh summer sun
out (to reduce heat gain) and allow winter sun
to warm the space (to lower heating costs).
Light, Air and Sound / 169
Winter Light | This progress photograph was
taken in the winter, as light floods the space to
become the living room area,
170 / Designing and Building
Mapping Circuits | The team worked with an
electrician to design an efficient network to
wire the various systems that go into controlling
the interior environment.
Light, Air and Sound / 171
Electrical Rough-In | Students completed the
electrical rough in process as well as some of
the wiring of lighting fixtures, etc.
172 / Designing and Building
Artificial Lighting Diagrams | This series of
light studies looks at the use of different types
of artificial lighting, whether the lights should
directly light the shelves, bounce light off
of the ceiling or create more of an ambient
lighting condition. Task lighting at the table was
also considered in the early design of lighting
strategies.
Light, Air and Sound / 173
Lighting Strategies | Recessed LED pot
lights proved to be the most efficient and
low maintenance choice for lighting the main
space. The placement of the light in relation
to the bookshelf and fan blades was tested on
site during early construction of the shelves to
make sure to prevent the strobe effect.
174 / Designing and Building
HVAC Vents | The space above the bookshelves
proved to be an excellent location to run
services throughout the building. This space,
affectionately known as the bulkhead, carried
air from the indoor HVAC unit into the space
via CNC-routed perforated plywood vents. The
team worked with the local HVAC installers to
design a plan that pressurized the northern
bulkhead.
Light, Air and Sound / 175
Environmental Consultants
From early on in the design process, students met with consultants from Atelier Ten: Paul Stoller, Claire Maxfield and Emilie Hagen. These three encouraged the team to examine appropriate passive strategies first, and then calculated electrical and HVAC loads to confirm system selection and help the library board predict their annual power bill. Acoustic consultant Gaines Hall explained the basics of acoustics relevant to libraries.
Acoustic Materials | Perforated plywood ceiling
panels, books, carpet tiles and cork flooring
provide a number of absorptive materials on
perpendicular surfaces that keep the library
quiet and decrease reverberation.
176 / Designing and Building
Acoustic Canopy | With all of the rigid elements
in the library, the team saw the perforated
ceiling as an opportunity to delight in a playful
pattern that is subtle enough that one may
not even notice it. The pattern itself mimics
the canopy of trees from the courtyard with
a higher density of perforations over higher
activity zones.
Light, Air and Sound / 177
Perforated Ceiling Installation |left| Using a
homemade jig made of discarded panels, the
team devised a system for lifting, clamping
and fastening the panels into place while still
making sure that each panel lined up correctly
with the series of panels before it.
178 / Designing and Building
Signage and Furniture
A need for both signs and furniture for the library inspired the team to expand upon the steel detailing of the windows and connection to create a consistent logic of details and accents throughout the project. Replacing the aluminum canopy, a folded steel awning is used for both shade and signage. Within the library, four custom steel tables with plywood tops provide a flexible social working space for patrons. In addition, folded steel signage fits within the bookcase to provide flexibility for collection growth overtime. This includes not only signs for Dewey decimal categories, but displays for face forward books and magnet boards for temporary displays. Applied to the steel, vinyl lettering displays graphics and text on both the awning and throughout the library.
Signage and Furniture / 179
Street Address | The library address on
Highway 61 is applied to the folded plate steel
awning.
180 / Designing and Building
Signage and Furniture / 181
Awning Studies |opposite| Early studies looked
at a variety of profiles, some reminiscent of the
original flat awning at the transom level, others
folded down to provide maximum shade for the
east fa�ade.
Brad SchmidtSuperior Metal WorksNewbern, Alabama
Brad worked with the team to produce all of the cut steel pieces for the project. This includes the awning (above), scupper, vestibule cladding and window frame components. Working with local steel fabricators to cut and bend steel required detailed shop drawings and clear instructions for assembly. Bending the 6-1/2’ by 7’ awning pieces required not only accurate drawings but also a few extra hands to catch the folded steel.
182 / Designing and Building
Welding Platform | To reduce the number of
times the team needed to lift the large awning
parts, a mobile fabricating platform was
built on trailer to allow the folded steel to be
transported to the welding site and then driven
directly to the library where it would be lifted in
place with a boom truck.
Signage and Furniture / 183
Welding the Awning | A former Rural
Studio student Zane Morgan, was gracious
enough to donate his time to help weld the
awning as well as the steel windows and tables.
Since he was donating his weekends it was
important that the team coordinate with him
prior to his visit so that all of the steel parts
were properly cut, ground and laid out so that
all he needed to do was weld.
184 / Designing and Building
Awning Install | Four 1/2" stainless steel
threaded rods were epoxied and bolted through
the brick wall to support the back of the folded
steel awning. Once the awning was lifted into
place, nuts and washers tightened the awning
to the brick facade.
Signage and Furniture / 185
Awning Install | A local farmer/real estate
investor brought his boom truck to lift the
awning into place. Once attached directly to
the wall, two threaded rods were installed to
tie back the awning to the facade using clevis
connections.
186 / Designing and Building
Awning Context |opposite| Contrary to its
weight, the minimal profile of the library awning
almost disappearsÑa delightful contrast to the
old awnings of downtown Newbern.
Awning Details |above| The awning was made
of 1/4" steel plate folded to give it rigidity. Then
a 3-1/2" angle was welded to the top to spread
the support of the two supporting rods. Clevis
connections attached to triangular gussets
made of steel angle. Similar angle gussets were
welded to the back of the awning to stiffen the
fold and also provided a place to attach rigging
for the boom truck.
Signage and Furniture / 187
188 / Designing and Building
Clifton BurtGraphic DesignerPortland, Oregon
Clifton advised the team on everything from donation packet design to selecting the perfect typeface for library signage. Commonly used in book publishing, Adobe Caslon is a easily legible typeface appropriate for a library. It also provided a nice contrast to the contemporary detailing of the bookcase interior.
Sheet Signage | 18 gauge sheet steel was cut
and painted with aluminum barn paint to match
the galvanized steel elements around the
building.
Signage and Furniture / 189
190 / Designing and Building
Signage and Furniture / 191
Insert Investigation |opposite| During early
stages of bookcase design the team decided
that any signage in the library needed to be
flexible enough that it could be moved in case
the librarians wanted to reorganize the space or
change cataloging systems.
Bookcase Inserts |above| A variety of folded
steel inserts provided options for flexibility
within the fixed module of each shelf. Inserts
include general category signs, specific
category signs, magnet boards, bookends and
display for face forward books.
192 / Designing and Building
Insert Fabrication Drawings | Inserts were
sized to fit within the bookcase module and
to fit efficiently when laid out on 4'x8' sheet
steel. Individual pieces were cut and folded
at Superior Metal works in Newbern. Since all
pieces are only folded once, they nest together
to take up less storage space when not in use.
Signage and Furniture / 193
Aluminum Barn Paint | Hundreds of bookends
and signs were painted with aluminum barn
paint to seal the metal and relate the inserts to
the galvanized detail language.
194 / Designing and Building
Signage and Furniture / 195
Steel Tables |opposite| Complimenting the
steel framed windows and openings, the large
social tables is made of four small steel tables
that could be moved and rearranged inside the
space. The tables are fabricated with 1/4" steel
angle and painted with aluminum barn paint.
Social Table |above| The four steel tables
were fitted with birch plywood tops. Tabletops
include flush mounted USB/electrical outlets for
plugging in electronics as well as task lighting
for patrons who might need additional light for
reading or working.
196 / Designing and Building
The Perfect Chair | Knoll Spark chairs (both
side and lounge chairs) provide a lightweight,
durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing
seating solution in the library. The light gray
coloration complements the silver detailing of
the project.
Signage and Furniture / 197
Katrina Van Valkenburgh and Mike NewmanChicago
Long time friends of the Rural Studio, Mike and Katrina coordinated a substantial furniture donation through their contacts in Chicago. As many of the chairs were floor models at the Knoll showroom, Katrina and Mike picked them up in Chicago and drove them all the way down to Newbern just in time for the ribbon cutting. In addition to the Spark chairs, they also coordinated the discount of an AllSteel task chair, perfect for the librarian’s desk.
198 / Designing and Building
Courtyard
The adjacent lot between the old bank building and the leaning gray barn once served as a gas pump for the local Walthall family. Framed by a brick screen made of the hundred year old reclaimed bricks from the old bank vault, the space now provides a shaded space for groups and individuals to gather and reflect. The surfaces are either brick or grey gravel separated by galvanize steel edging similar to the details at the windows and awning. The large flexible space is shaded by the joined canopy of nineteen Natchez Crape Myrtles.
Courtyard / 199
Xavier VendrellProfessor and Landscape Architect
Xavi was instrumental in helping design a simple, low maintenance courtyard for the library board to enjoy. He conceptualized the space as an outdoor room, with floors (and carpets), walls and ceiling-ideas that carried through to the finished space.
200 / Designing and Building
Maintenance Options |opposite| From early
in the design process the team began looking
at a grid of trees that would create a ceiling
condition within the courtyard. The team
communicated with a committee of local
gardeners to design the right amount of garden
planting for them to manage.
Courtyard Studies |above| Many of the small
alcoves were designed with direct relationship
with the courtyard space.
Courtyard / 201
202 / Designing and Building
Topography | The existing site sloped naturally
to the west which made managing surface
water on the site less complicated than a more
flat site. The permeability of different surfaces
and their relationship with the existing slope
and grade were studied and analyzed so that
water from the courtyard would be redirected
around the parking and into an existing
drainage swell.
Courtyard / 203
Parking and Septic | The local land owners
allowed the Library to install the 100' septic
mound on an adjacent lot which freed up space
behind the building for a low maintenance
gravel parking lot common to the area.
204 / Designing and Building
Tree Planting |above| With the use of the
bobcat and a few extra hands, all of the tree
planting was completed in one day. The holes
were dug with the auger attachment and then
cleaned out with shovels. Next the trees were
lifted into place with a strap attachment and
lowered into place.
Tree Grids |right| A variety of tree spacings and
grids were tested in the courtyard as well as
deciding which trees to remove from the grid to
create spaces to gather.
Courtyard / 205
206 / Designing and Building
Courtyard / 207
Library Courtyard | Materials in the courtyard
were kept to a minimum so as not to draw
attention away from the reclaimed bricks
reused for paving, drainage and screens.
208 / Designing and Building
Steel Edging Detail |above| Communication
through drawings with our structural engineer
in Chicago became easier as the project
progressed. A design for 1/4" steel edging
would be supported with 1/4" x 2" x 2" angle
driven into the ground and welded to the
edging. Joe and the team calculated a formula
for length of supporting angle in relation to
amount of soil being retained.
Edging Install |opposite| The process of edging
installation included: excavation, staking
and leveling of edging, driving of stakes, and
welding edging to the stakes. Once the edging
was in place, material was backfilled evenly on
both sides to prevent edging from tipping.
Courtyard / 209
210 / Designing and Building
Reclaimed Bricks | After deconstruction and
cleaning over 10,000 bricks from the old vault,
back wall and garden window, it was important
to the team and the community to find a good
use for the bricks. Using the bricks as a surface
and an edge condition allowed the team to
reuse almost all the bricks salvaged during the
deconstruction process.
Courtyard / 211
212 / Designing and Building
James WilliamsBrickmasonNewbern, Alabama
Since the team had little experience laying brick, it was clear that hiring a local mason was critical to accomplish the task of constructing the brick screens. James Williams had experience working with Rural Studio students on the Newbern Town Hall project, and proved to be an excellent craftsman along with his team of masons. Instead of providing technical drawings, the team and crew communicated on site via dry stacked mock-ups in the desired pattern.
Courtyard / 213
Brick Screen and Courtyard | The brick pattern
was designed to allow for a degree of visual
transparency between the courtyard interior,
and the highway and parking.
214 / Designing and Building
Huntington Carpet1-2’ tall, 6-8’ wide
rosemary
Arp or Barbeque?6’ tall, 2-4’ wide
Blonde Ambition Grama Grass3’ tall, 3’ wide
grasses
Everillo Grass1-1/2’ tall, 1-1/2’ wide
Coneflower (preferably white)3’ tall, 1-1/2’ wide
The Courtyard CommitteeDonna Dirks, Bonita Benner & Mary Jane Everett
Students worked with expert local gardeners to design a low maintenance planting strategy for the Newbern Library courtyard. The courtyard committee planted both beds and maintain the gardens as needed. Plants included two types of rosemary, grasses, white coneflowers, creeping jenny, ajuga and native spider lilies.
Courtyard / 215
Courtyard Elevation | Together with the brick
screen, the garden helps to provide a lush
buffer between the sidewalk and the interior of
the courtyard.
216 / Designing and Building
Courtyard / 217
Ribbon Cutting | The student team and
Newbern Library Board cut the ribbon to reveal
the completed building to a courtyard full of
friends, family and community members. A
children's choir from First Baptish Church of
Newbern sang "This Little Light of Mine."
Student Team L-R
Will Gregory Dothan, Alabama
Stephen Durham Atlanta, Georgia
Ashley Clark Birmingham Alabama
Morgan Acino Phoenix, Arizona
All four students graduated from Auburn
University in May 2013 with degrees in
architecture and interior architecture. The
Newbern Library was completed on May 2,
2015.