Pamela Coyne Library

by Branch Studio Architects

From The Architect

The project celebrates and elaborates on the traditions of the school & civic library through a series of key ideas, or ‘chapters’, that were translated into architectural interventions. These architectural interventions were collectively composed and narrated as a single ‘story’.
“it has been rewarding to learn from library staff, the amount of borrowing has tripled due to the opening of the new library”.

The traditional school library is becoming more digitalized and the all mighty physical book becoming more and more scarce.

Vertical natural timber battens, in collaboration with black stained plywood cladding, promote a visual connection with internal and external spaces. The shadow-clad external plywood cladding references the black and grey tones of the nearby grey-gums. Vertical, Victorian ash timber battens reference the vertical nature of the tall grey gums nearby.

The extension is almost completely hidden from outside of school grounds. Situated amongst the tree canopies with only a small glimpse to be seen from a nearby walking track, the new building fabric merges with its surroundings.
Internal loose furniture was custom designed for the project and made by a local furniture maker.