Johnston Architects

Winthrop Library

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

WINTHROP LIBRARY

Johnston Architects

ARCHITECTURE
Prentiss Balance Wickline

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
AWA Electrical Consultants

GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Impel Construction

STRUCTURAL + CIVIL ENGINEERS
Methow Engineering

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Ray Johnston, Mary Johnston, Harmony Cooper, Mona Johnston Zellers

AREA
7300 ft²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Winthrop, United States

TYPE
Library, Other Facilities

Washington State’s Methow Valley has a combined population of 14,000-20,000 part and full-time residents.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

The town of Winthrop in the heart of the valley was previously underserved by a small library with inadequate access to resources and services.

Residents were eager for change. By prioritizing community collaboration in the design process, the architects were able to quantify the community’s hopes for their new library while directly addressing what wasn’t working, creating Winthrop’s ideal civic space.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

With considerable input from the community, the region's specific needs were met by Johnston Architects (JA) with local support from Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects (PBW) – namely, reimagined spaces for gathering, connection, and discovery.

Their existing library lacked space for community programs, did not have adequate space to manage the library’s collection of materials, and limited the community’s access to technology, with little or no space to work or study.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

Spearheaded by the Friends of Winthrop Library organization, hundreds of requests were collected through JA’s Hopes & Dreams charrette process, identifying the most important program elements desired by future patrons. To meet these needs, JA designed a new 7,300 SF library that supports the entire region.

When searching for design inspiration for the new library, JA looked first at the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

The building sits with its long axis pointing to Mt. Gardner, and its entrance toward the Methow River.

It physically reflects the crossroads of the mountains and river, and the crossroads of the community, where neighbors can gather, learn and explore.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

A strict Westernization code for buildings near the historic frontier town’s center challenged the architects to create a design befitting the community’s identity while complementing the rugged natural environment and prevailing architectural vernacular of Winthrop.

Inspired by the open-air agrarian buildings in the region, the design includes broad overhangs, open roof trusses, and visible structures.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

Hay barns, with their wide, sheltering roofs and airy side walls composed of trusses and braces that give a delicate, yet strong impression proved a perfect model for the building.

The hay barn form is historic, authentic, and practical; all qualities aligned with the new Winthrop Library.

Completing numerous daylighting and energy studies, the design team shifted window openings, doorways, overhangs, and a slatted wooden scrim to best control heat gain and glare during the Methow Valley’s arid summers.

Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond
Winthrop Library
© Benjamin Drummond

Natural design elements were also brought into the space, including a sculptural “learning tree” that provides an interior niche. A cozy fireplace beckons patron from the front door to the far end of the space, where large windows frame the unique Methow landscape.


Winthrop Library
Elevations


Winthrop Library
Site Plan
Winthrop Library
Floor Plan

Johnston Architects
T +1 206 5236150
Johnston Architects
3131 Western Ave #510, Seattle, WA 98121, United States