ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
VINTON BRANCH
Community input and sustainable design strategies articulated the design of this library
We began this project with a series of collaborative input sessions that resulted in an overwhelming response to creating a new library that would relate to the scale of the historic downtown and form an entryway while acting as a modern icon and destination. We developed a series of vignettes showing development of the building form taking shape and shared these with the community throughout the design process. It was through these meetings that bold color backed by a combination of neutral brick and corrugated metal became the exterior palette for the Vinton Branch. The exterior architecture is carried inside the building through ceiling forms and color accents that create visual pathways and define areas for seating, browsing, and gathering without fixed walls.
Variations in flooring are used throughout the building for intuitive wayfinding, creating pathways, and delineating changes in how a space is used. In the children’s area hexagon carpet tiles in color clusters are used to create a fun and engaging geometry that inspired a honeycomb custom millwork piece featuring reading nooks on one side, and display shelving on the other.
Integrated technology encourages the use of mobile devices and provides infrastructure to accommodate future changes in use, products, and configuration. Materials are displayed with merchandising and circulation in mind. The rooftop patio features covered seating, an outdoor/indoor fireplace, and a large screen for community movie nights.​
A raised access floor is used to provide flexibility and accessibility to outlets and air distribution throughout the building. Custom ceramic fruit patterns on the window are used along the main facade to reduce solar heat gain and glare. Various other sustainable design strategies have been incorporated and LEED Certification has been achieved.
The prominent location of the library, with its community plaza, rooftop garden, and vendor-operated café, bring added vibrancy to the downtown. The site is a gateway into the historic downtown and leads to destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
SERVICES
HBM │ Design Architect, Interior Designer, Architect of Record
SIZE
21,800 SF