The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP

Renton Public Library

Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer 

Renton Public Library

The Miller Hull Partnership

TYPE
Educational › Library

STATUS
Built

YEAR
2015

PHOTOS
Lara Swimmer (9)

LOCATION
Renton, WA, United States

The original 1966 library structure was constructed to iconically straddle the Cedar River with views to the water, railway, and active salmon habitat. Its unique location was well loved by generations of community members and well worth preserving.

Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer
Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer

When built in 1966, the original building was an engineering feat.

Its pre-cast concrete T's, concrete columns and wood
truss-joists created an impressive 80" central clear span on the interior.

Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer
Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer

By 2015, however, the exterior envelope was failing and not compliant with current energy codes.

Its structural system was not fit to withstand current seismic criteria nor potential liquefaction of the alluvial soils. In addition, its building systems were not able to keep up with the increased demands of a 21st century library?heavy in power and data usage.

Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer
Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer

The team's design goal was to celebrate and reveal the inherent bridge structure in a language recalling the nearby Boeing legacy of engineering. New cross bracing and raw aluminum siding was detailed to celebrate a structurally expressive and finely crafted exterior expression.

The renovation maintained the original super structure, but introduced a new energy efficient exterior envelope with floor to ceiling views to the river.

Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer 
Renton Public Library
© Lara Swimmer

By removing the interior attic space concealing the trusses, the interior volume increased by nearly 5".

Trimming back the existing overhang brought more daylight into the building and created alightweight, taut bridge expression.

The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
T +1 206 6826837
The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
71 Columbia St 6th floor, Seattle, WA 98104, United States