The Caroline Springs library has been master-planned into the landscape as a centrepiece project and backed up by its sibling stadium, designed by SPC Architects, and sits behind the library. The library provides a variation in its reading from all directions. All the performance glass used in the project was supplied by Viridian .
In the library project basalt outcrops and rock shelves were used for the interior – lit from above and a cool glade at ground level below rock walls and shelves. Exposed concrete internal walls were made from individual moulds and embossed with honeycomb motifs that echo the feature glazing.
The main east facing street frontage presents to passing traffic and pedestrians. Evening projected images are punched onto the giant glass disks to create a glowing, honeycomb wall of light. By day, the glazing provides a tent like opacity. Clear end-glazing – with folded panes to the south – contribute to the sequence of transparency and translucence.
On the linear north elevation, a soft toned grey glass acts like a giant pair of sunglasses to the grassy reserve and shaded, book-lined interiors. Towards the north-west corner, a blue-enamelled glass with angular horizontal corrugations provides a bejewelled finish and texture.
To the rear and west, an opaque glass hexagon denotes a singularly intimate study area that provides a soft wash of afternoon light. The southern elevation repeats the UV protective grey glass and burnished blue glass with its crisp horizontal folds.
Orientation on an east/west axis permits multiple daylight sources along both main flanks and from the clerestory void. ESD strategies include use of natural ventilation, night purging through operable windows and designed for maximum solar penetration with minimal solar gain. Low level reliance on artificial light and cooling/heating are an indication of the design’s success.
The interior, designed in association with Alex Hotchin, is inspired by the columnar basalt formations. The main internal corridor of the building is punctuated by a soffit that extends from outside to inside. Feature walls within the main circulation spaces are punctuated with the same hexagonal profile. Internal spaces are inferred and flexible, rather than enclosed and the result functions as a free-flowing, community lounge-room.
According to Mark van den Enden, Design Architect, the driving factor was the ESD qualities. The glazing ensures plenty of daylight with low thermal loadings. Passive ventilation and night-purging through operable windows were also important drivers of the planning.