Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS

Grimstad Library

Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

GRIMSTAD LIBRARY

Helen & Hard

ARCHITECTS
Helen & Hard

PHOTOGRAPHS
Helge Eek, Sindre Ellingsen

AREA
2200.0 m2

MANUFACTURERS
Aanesland Limtre AS, BS Eurobib AS, Canvas AS, Gilje, Inventum AS, KarlsenFritzoe AS, Norlock AS, SCHULZ SPEYER Bibliothekstechnik AG, Sigdal AS

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Grimstad, Norway

CATEGORY
Library

Text description provided by architect.

The new library in Grimstand has a central, waterfront location. It lies between the old town and the new town center.

Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Helge Eek

The intention is for the library to not only be a place to read and borrow books, but for the building to become a social meeting point with the opportunity to host a variety of cultural events. The building is accessible for all.

The context acts as an important driver for the architecture. The building acts as a covered walkway connecting the old town in the north and new town center in the south.

Grimstad Library
© Helge Eek
Grimstad Library
© Helge Eek

This passageway is filled with a public and cultural programme for all the towns inhabitants and visitors to enjoy.

An existing building on the site, together with the budget, formed a limited framework for the project.

However, this limitation was looked upon as a positive; the old structure is partially kept and acts as foundations for the new light timber structure.

Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

The compact volume of the building has a rational timber structure.

The timber frames are placed with a spacing of 3m on top of the existing concrete building.

The building is organized over three floors. The main library functions on the first floor with a secluded children’s area on the second.

Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen

The administration is found on the ground floor. Additionally the building houses a café, auditorium and exhibition spaces. These are in close proximity to toilet facilities making it possible to close off this zone for evening events.

By varying the vertical north-facing openings between the prefabricated east and west facing panels makes a dynamic façade. This portrays the interior movement, while the building negotiates between new and old.

Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen


Grimstad Library
© Helge Eek
Grimstad Library
© Helge Eek
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen
Grimstad Library
© Sindre Ellingsen


Grimstad Library
Section 01
Grimstad Library
Section 02


Grimstad Library
Site Plan
Grimstad Library
Floor Plan 01
Grimstad Library
Floor Plan 02


Grimstad Library
Diagram 01
Grimstad Library
Diagram 02

Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS
T +47 406 40672
Arkitektfirma Helen & Hard, AS
Erfjordgata 8, 4014 Stavanger, Norway