Simonswerk Gmbh

Falmouth Memorial Library

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography

FALMOUTH MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Simons Architects

CATAGORY
Library, Community

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Thornton Tomasetti

LOCATION
Falmouth, United States

MANUFACTURERS
Carpeting, Cladding (Siding), Doors, Flooring, Hvac, Storefront, Tile - Floor, Tile - Wall, Windows

SURVEYOR
Landtech

YEAR
2020

AREA
18720 ft²

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Gorrill Palmer

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Sarah Witte

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Ripcord Engineering

PROJECT ARCHITECTS
Chris Berry, Seth Wilschutz, Lauren Angst, Ryan Kanteres, Scott Simons, Austin Smith, Kayla Caron, Julia Tate

The Falmouth Memorial Library had its beginnings in a home the library purchased in 1951. As the demand for services and space increased, the library constructed an addition in 1995 with a large meeting room and additional children and adult areas.

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography

Since that expansion, there has been a 238% increase in circulation, putting a growing strain on the already tight space.

In addition to the lack of space, the library was missing a sense of fluidity which was a large hindrance to its operation.

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography

After numerous false starts with other architects, we were asked to double the size of the library without increasing its operational and energy costs and without requiring any additional staff.

Working closely with the community, we developed a plan that expanded the library from its previous 10,780 SF to 18,720 SF.

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography

The original Iverson House was removed and two new wings were added to the existing 1995 library building to double the amount of space available for library patrons.

The additions were designed to have a feeling of spaciousness and connectivity, allowing for maximum visual oversight as the library increased in size without increasing its staff size.

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography

The children’s and adult areas were separated into two wings, linked by an open periodical reading area, with an adjacent public computing area and study rooms.

The new gabled roofs of the additions match the angle of the existing gables on the 1995 addition, helping to blend the new with the existing.

Large windows provide generous amounts of natural daylight with views of the gardens and courtyard outside. The new, expanded library is a bright and open modern facility, with high-performance features. It is a sustainable building that acts as a vibrant hub for community engagement and learning in Falmouth.

Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography


Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography
Falmouth Memorial Library
© Ryan Bent Photography


Falmouth Memorial Library
Site Plan
Falmouth Memorial Library
Ground Floor Plan


Falmouth Memorial Library
Elevation
Falmouth Memorial Library
Detail
Falmouth Memorial Library

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T +49 52 424130 F +49 52 42413150
Simonswerk Gmbh
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