SCALA Civic Building of the Year Competition, 2007
Commended
Cheshire County Council
Holmes Chapel Library
Holmes Chapel Library originally opened in 1969 and has been unable to cater for the demands of the local community in recent years.
The brief for the extension and adaptation was to deliver a landmark design within a very limited budget to raise local awareness of library and community facilities and to cater for the changing needs of the community.
A contemporary approach to the design provides light rendered walls, an inverted roof profile, configured to incorporate high level glazing and optimise the predominantly southerly elevation, and to contrast with the linear design of the existing library and surrounding buildings.
High level glazing introduces natural light and ventilation into the heart of the library, avoiding the need for mechanical ventilation. Increased levels of insulation enabled the existing heating plant to be utilised to serve the new extension.
The new library extension includes a reference library, ICT and multi-media, improved staff accommodation and a new community wing with meeting room, kitchen and public toilet facilities which have been incorporated adjacent to the main library facilities.
- Architect, Structural Engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer:
- Atkins
- Quantity Surveyor:
- Nigel Rose & Partners
- Main Contractor:
- Walter Carefoot and Sons Construction Ltd
