Ikon 5 Architects

Hockessin Public Library

HOCKESSIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Ikon.5 Architects

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

AREA
15000.0 ft2

CATEGORY
Library

PROJECT YEAR
2008

ARCHITECTS
Ikon.5 Architects

PHOTOGRPAHS
James D'Addio

LOCATION
New Castle County RPA Comm, New Castle, DE 19720, USA

MANUFACTURERS
Herman Miller, Mecho Systems, Allermuir, Benjamin Moore, Ceramiche Caesar, Daltile, Knoll International, Lees Carpets, Mark Architectural Lighting, Studio Italia Design - Lodes, Viracon

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

Text description provided by architect.

Hockessin Public Library is a 15,000 square foot addition and renovation in New Castle, Delaware that includes a children's library, general collections, Hockessin archives, audio visual collection, information technology, and community meeting rooms.

Designed by ikon.5 architcts, the expansion of the library is a floating glass pavilion in a park.

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio
Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

The existing library site is bounded by a major road to the north, parking to the west and wetland to the east, leaving only the possibility for expansion to the south.

The south side of the side overlooks a densely vegetated county park, but is restricted by a 100 year old flood plain within close proximity to the existing library.

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio
Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

To avoid this barrier the expansion cantilevers over the floodplain and projects into the landscaped park.

Taking advantage of its suspended position on the edge of the park, the addition is made primarily of glass allowing views of the park to envelop the interior space which houses the children's library and creates an exciting learning environment for families.

Filled with natural light and sights of the flora and fauna of the Delaware landscape, the children's library is also a learning laboratory of the natural environment in which it is dramatically positioned.

The design of the aluminum and ceramic fritted glass enclosure shields the intense sunlight and abstractly recalls the hanging foliage and structure of the willow trees in the adjacent park.

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio
Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

The project expands the existing library by adding to the most heavily utilized functions:

the children's collection, community meeting rooms, and public access services and reference.

Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio
Hockessin Public Library
© James D'Addio

This expansion allows for a significant increase in the overall collection and seating to meet the demands of a growing community.


Hockessin Public Library
Site Plan
Hockessin Public Library
Floor Plan


Hockessin Public Library
Site Section

Ikon 5 Architects
T +1 212 9562530
Ikon 5 Architects
147 W 25th St 11th fl, New York, NY 10001, United States