Library blends tradition and contemporary design
by Jonathan McGaha | May 5, 2011 12:00 am
Metal roofing panels from Louisville, Ky.-based Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. top the new Show Low Public Library in Show Low, Ariz., providing an eco-friendly roofing option with an aesthetic that expresses both local charm and a modern edge.
Completed in July 2010, the library is the first ground-up build of its kind for the community, and marked the initial phase of a two-part streetscape improvement project. The second phase involved a renovation of Show Low’s former library into new city council chambers, completed in August 2010. The two facilities are situated in direct alignment, providing optimal access for community members.
Offering a durable and sustainable roof that the community can enjoy for decades to come, Metal Sales supplied its 24-gauge Magna Loc 16-inch panels to cover 30,170 square feet of the public library.
“In terms of sustainability, a pleasing aesthetic, and budget, Metal Sales was the obvious choice,” says Jonah Busick, director and project architect at Shepley Bulfinch, Phoenix. “The Champagne Metallic panels provide high reflectivity, perfect for reducing the Library’s expensive cooling costs. We also admired Metal Sales’ use of recycled materials, which nicely facilitates the eco-friendly approach of the design.”
The new 20,000-square-foot library boasts a 50 percent size increase, and has been well received by the community. With its sleek design and environmental consciousness, the citizens of Show Low are visiting in large numbers to take advantage of the library’s special programs, computer labs, and expansive book and video collection. The facility owner and civic leaders have been very satisfied with the overall project, including the metal roof.
“The [Metal Sales] materials complement the design aesthetic wonderfully,” explains Busick. “This project attempts to blend local White Mountain traditions with a contemporary crisp feel, and the panels completely fulfill that expectation.”
Installation of the Magna Loc panels on the Show Low Public Library was quite efficient, despite harsh winter conditions. “I was very happy with the installation of the panels,” says Sean Cutler, project manager of Lakeside, Ariz.-based Sierra Builders, the installer. “We have worked with Metal Sales before, and we would absolutely work with them again.”
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp., www.metalsales.us.com, Circle
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Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/library-blends-tradition-and-contemporary-design/