RDH Architects convert old post office to bookless library with new wraparound glazing
by Stu Robarts | 25 Nov 2019
RDH Architects have converted an old derelict post office in the Candian city of Cambridge, Ontario, into a bookless library with new glass volumes that are cantilevered over the adjacent Grand River.
The Idea Exchange provides a free community hub with spaces for learning, creativity, meeting and socialising.
The $11.1m (US$8.4m, €7.6m, £6.5m) project combined contemporary additions and design with restored elements of the original building, which was built in 1885.
Visitors are welcomed into the building through a glass-box entrance and up a glass-walled staircase that provides close-up views of restored masonry elements.
They are led through into a newly added 9,000sq ft (840sq m) glazed pavilion with table and lounge seating that functions as a space for work and gathering.
Its floor-to-ceiling glazing extends out over the water and allows views into the building, making the facility more approachable for other potential visitors, as well as views out over the surrounding area.
Original window openings have been converted to provide access between the new pavilion and the old structure, with bridges connecting to the two.
The lower level houses a black box theatre, film and audio recording suites, laptop dispensing and gaming areas and music recording and performance facilities, while the second level contains a children’s discovery centre.
A new floating glass room for meetings and teaching, an exterior rooftop terrace and a green roof overlook the river and provide more close-up views of the restored building elements.
Finally, a makerspace braced by steel trusses that are arranged in star shapes and that have been adapted to hold strips of lighting is housed in the building's peaked attic.
RDH Architects library Canada
The project combined contemporary additions and design with restored elements of the original building Credit: Tom Arban
New glass volumes that are cantilevered over the adjacent Grand River Credit: Sanjay Chauhan
Floor-to-ceiling glazing allows views into the building, making the facility more approachable Credit: Tom Arban
The original post office building was built in 1885 Credit: Tom Arban
The new glazed volumes allow plenty of natural light into the building Credit: Tom Arban
Tables and lounge seating provide spaces to work, gather and socialise Credit: Tom Arban
Original window openings have been converted to provide access between the new pavilion and the old structure Credit: Tom Arban
Other facilities include a children's discovery centre Credit: Tom Arban
The glazed pavilion provides views out over the surrounding area Credit: Tom Arban
A makerspace in the peaked attic is braced by steel trusses Credit: Tom Arban
New additions sit alongside old elements of the building Credit: Tom Arban
RDH Architects have converted an old derelict post office in the Candian city of Cambridge, Ontario, into a bookless library with new glass volumes that are cantilevered over the adjacent Grand River. The Idea Exchange provides a free community hub with spaces for learning, creativity, meeting and socialising. The $11.1m (US$8.4m, €7.6m, £6.5m) project combined contemporary additions and design with restored elements of the original building, which was built in
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