Fife Public Library
Additional Info
Award Winner : Modern Building Systems, Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Pierce County Library System's vision for their newest outlying facility included approachable warmth and comfort - quality finishes found in custom homes paired with the grace of strong architectural elements. Utilizing storefront glass entry and ceiling, as well as large storefront windows and round domed skylights throughout - allowed this Pacific Northwest library project to draw the outdoors in, giving readers maximum day-lighting benefit. Level 4 smooth wall interior finishes, suspended "cloud" ceiling areas with wood panels and Red Built open trusses, solid core white birch interior doors and custom interior finishes gives the space a personality of serene comfort. Thoughtfully conceived details throughout ensure the community will continue to benefit from this library for years to come: ceramic tile flooring at entries (and used throughout restrooms), custom built 20 ga. gutters and downspouts, fibre cement smooth wall panels installed over aluminum creating reveals.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Pierce County Library System and SHKS Architects had conceived a highly technical and aesthetic design. This was realized as a cost effective solution by utilizing modular construction. Primarily due to the time savings, factory labor rates and controlled environment during construction - PCLS was able to skip its anticipated mid-step of finding and using a temporary/rented library space, and instead provide the largest city in Pierce County without its own library or library branch, just what it needed - a place to gather, research and find true joy in reading. (…And all before the originally scheduled opening date of the planned for temporary/rented facility!)
Design Firm Name : SHKS Architects
Occupied Date : 4/2/2012
Production Start Date : 10/20/2011
Project Location City : Fife
Project Location State Name : WA
Technical Innovation : Red Built open trusses and beams give this space strength and, coupled with self dimming light fixtures and extensive use of highly insulated vinyl windows, create an ideal environment to use day-lighting to full advantage. (The local News Tribune described the building at its opening as "…a single open room, wrapped in glass and bathed in light”). High efficiency gas HVAC units with 100 percent economizers, insulated spiral ducting and an EMS based control systems facilitate efficient environmental controls, state of the art fire alarm and security systems and comfort for the readers inside. Computer bays, "cyber-bar" for patrons to use their own computers and flex/meeting space create opportunities for families, students and community members to use this space in ways that may reduce the neighborhood's overall environmental footprint.
Total Square Feet : 6110
Category : Permanent: Special Application: any square footage