Federal Way Regional Library Renovation

A series of rain gardens provide natural infiltration. Steel runnels transport rainwater from the building expansion roof areas to the rain gardens, all of which are visible to the library patron.
A series of rain gardens provide natural infiltration. Steel runnels transport rainwater from the building expansion roof areas to the rain gardens, all of which are visible to the library patron.
Each pavilion acts as a "daylight harvester," bringing in as much direct light as possible, while celebrating the qualities of the surrounding forest.
Natural materials including wood reclaimed from trees onsite, create a warm palette within that is not only beautiful, but reduces noise and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Transparency and daylight harvesting create an integrated connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
A new canopy and finishes at the main library entry help tie the existing building to the new expansion pavilions.

Lantern in the Forest

Federal Way Regional Library

Federal Way, WA

A New Perspective

This renovation and addition expands capacity and strengthens connections with the forested site and growing community. New reading rooms for the library’s diverse collections are housed within a series of glass and steel pavilions that engage the forest. These sculptural pavilions are positioned to preserve mature evergreens, and open to views of trees, rain gardens and native plantings.

Serving the Community

Expanded seating, study areas and collections alleviate congestion in the library, one of the busiest branches in King County. New spaces welcome and support Federal Way’s increasingly international population, including special areas for children and teens, and more community meeting rooms.

Health and Comfort

Skylights, daylight harvesting and natural materials—including wood reclaimed from trees on site—create an inviting and healthy indoor environment. High performance glazing and a radiant floor heating system deliver comfort and energy savings.

Client

King County Library System

Overview

Library renovation and expansion to better serve the diverse communities of southern King County, and connect with its forested setting

Program

180,000-volume library

Size

35,000 sf; 1.04 acres

Completion Date

2010

Services

Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Awards

AIA Washington Civic Design Awards, People's Choice Award, 2011

AIA Washington Civic Design Awards, Merit Award, 2011

IIDA Pacific Northwest INawards, Honorable Mention, INpublic, 2010

National Nordic Museum Seattle, WA +

Seattle University Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons Seattle, WA +

Puyallup City Hall Block Puyallup, WA +

Newcastle Library Newcastle, WA +

A series of rain gardens provide natural infiltration. Steel runnels transport rainwater from the building expansion roof areas to the rain gardens, all of which are visible to the library patron.

A series of rain gardens provide natural infiltration. Steel runnels transport rainwater from the building expansion roof areas to the rain gardens, all of which are visible to the library patron.

Each pavilion acts as a "daylight harvester," bringing in as much direct light as possible, while celebrating the qualities of the surrounding forest.

Natural materials including wood reclaimed from trees onsite, create a warm palette within that is not only beautiful, but reduces noise and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Transparency and daylight harvesting create an integrated connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

A new canopy and finishes at the main library entry help tie the existing building to the new expansion pavilions.

Lantern in the Forest

Federal Way Regional Library