The architectural firm Buck Simpers Architect + Associates Inc., Wilmington, Del., designed the new Worcester County Public Library in Ocean City, Md., to match the vernacular architecture of this seaside community, which includes “stick style.” This style is characterized by tall proportions with high and steep roofs, as well as complex and irregular massing and silhouettes.
The roof of the library features 10,194 square feet (947 m2) of 24-gauge steel Field-Lok (FLM165) panels in Dove Grey from ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa. The panels feature a Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 coating. The roofing contractor was Wilkinson Roofing, Wilmington, and the roofing distributor was Bradco Supply, Malvern, Pa.
The library was designed to have open spaces with exposed structural framing and an interior atrium. The main level includes the circulation desk, computer center, children’s area and program room,periodicals, two collections and a staff work area.
The intermediate level houses a meeting room and public restrooms, and the second floor is a mezzanine that overlooks the first floor. The mezzanine includes nonfiction collections, fiction collections and the Ocean City history collection.
The library has many sustainable features, including parking under the building to reduce the heat-island effect and conserve the site area; natural daylighting; a geothermal heat pump; native vegetation and pervious paving; recycled and recyclable carpets with low VOC adhesives; and bamboo flooring.
“ATAS added to the sustainability of the library with its metal roofing panels,” said Jim Bush, vice president of sales for ATAS. “Field-Lok offers the aesthetics desired by the architect, but the panels also are made from recycled content, are recyclable after their long lifespan, and have a cool coating to help control solar heat gain and reduce energy consumption in the building.”
ATAS International, www.atas.com
