BALLINAMORE
LIBRARY,
CO LEITRIM
| Client: | Leitrim County Council |
| Contract Value: | €2.9 million |
| Completed: | November 2004 |
The County Library in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim brings together the
main public library, local studies, archives and geneology sections together
in one building. Local community functions such as display, general meetings,
exhibitions and receptions are also envisaged.
| The broad design concerns were; | |
| • | A unified and flexible space |
| • | Good natural lighting |
| • | Easy communication between departments |
| • | Appropriate architectural context |
| • | Ease and speed of construction given the main street site |
The design concept was to separate the "heavy" items of the brief, namely archiving, storage, and genealogy services, from the "lighter" items, such as reading, reference, and general lending areas with the emphasis on natural lighting to the "lighter" areas. The accomodation on the first floor wraps around the central void, visually connecting the local studies and offices with the main lending area. To the rear, a glazed courtyard is created which is a spill out area from the multipurpose room, which can also be used for sculpture exhibitions.
The façade follows the language of materials in the town by keeping to the palette of render, punched hole windows with a vertical emphasis, rendered gable walls and varied storey heights of individual buildings.