Williamstown Library
By Mitsuori Architects
Commendation for Urban Design at 2014 RAIA Victorian Architecture Awards
Williamstown Library named as one of the '1001 Libraries to See Before You Die' by the International Federation of Library Associations
The architecture of Williamstown Library is inspired by the juxtaposition of fluid water and boats against the rigidity and permanence of sea walls and buildings along the Williamstown foreshore.
This redevelopment project was undertaken in association with Sally Draper Architects and is an elegant, functional building, respectful of the existing historical town hall. As an urban ‘bridge’ between the town hall and adjacent retail precinct is re-activates this civic urban precinct and transforms it into a vibrant community centre.
A translucent polycarbonate wall supported on slender composite steel and timber ‘ribs’ curves around a double height main reading room, allowing natural light to permeate deep into the space. This ephemeral element is counter posed by a linear bluestone spine that anchors the building and protects the main reading room from the noise and chaos of an adjacent retail car park.
Environmentally sustainable design was central to this project and an integral part of the building. An energy efficient multi-stage hybrid ventilation system, incorporating a sub-floor labyrinth and active rooftop chimneys, was integrated seamlessly into the architecture to maximise natural ventilation and minimise energy consumption.
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Williamstown Library
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Mitsuori Architects is a design led practice focused on the creation of enduring and innovative architecture that is uniquely reflective of its place, environment and the people that inhabit it.
Founded in 2008 by Matthew Murfett & Melissa Lim, our practice directors bring together large-scale project experience and technical expertise with the personalised service and attention to detail of a small boutique design practice. Both have worked with world renowned architectural practices on major cultural, commercial, residential and interior design projects in Australia, UK, Europe and the USA. Their departure from iconic city scale projects was inspired by a desire to explore the craft of architecture on a personal scale, and create buildings that are respectful of the past, reflective of the present and robust for the future.
At its core we believe the design process is a journey of discovery, translation and creation. Ours is a collaborative journey shared openly with our clients, design team, specialist fabricators and builders. We focus on producing well designed and executed architectural outcomes delivered by an experienced and cohesive team.
We believe environmentally and socially sustainable design are fundamental to the design of buildings and urban spaces. From the outset, these values influence site response, building orientation/configuration, selection of products, materials and technologies, and ultimately the technical resolution of structure and envelope.
At Mitsuori, we celebrate how architecture can change our experience of a place and influence how we shape our environment.
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