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Government Design Excellence Award
Presented to Laurie Smith Design Associates
Twin Oaks Branch Library

Austin, Texas

Project Description

This 10,0000 sf branch library was designed to replace an aging and inadequate 5,000 sf strip center location that had been serving a diverse neighborhood with a lot of children & nearby schools with limited library facilities. The overall approach was to create something of a bookstore atmosphere & community gathering place: one that merged the vibrant colors and diverse design aesthetic that defines South Austin with the functional needs of an accessible, sustainably-designed modern

library for the community.  

The reinvented library occupies the site of a former Post office (bricks were re-used), and offers everything from walls of computers & a sound-insulated silent study area to indoor & outdoor community spaces accessible even when the library is closed. The interior features reclaimed Douglas Fir trusses, a custom sculptural book display & a large circular furr-down that draws patrons through the Central Area. The building uses extensive daylighting and employs window shades to lower heat gain and has a sophisticated control system that dims ceiling fixtures when there is sufficient daylight.

A ‘kid-scaled’, whimsical ‘crooked-house’ entrance with custom-colored translucent recycled-content resin panels frames a separate Children’s Area which shares an outdoor Reading Garden with a Teen area that has separate computer terminals, comfy furniture & a large screen TV.  A quiet “Living Room” study area features colorful custom book display ‘cubbies’ and looks out over an outdoor Amphitheater and Back Porch.

The The project was designed based on a LEED template and has applied for LEED existing Building certification. Recycled-content / recyclable carpeting & furniture fabrics were utilized in the project as was low to zero VOC paint, adhesives & sealants and linoleum.  The building also utilizes photovoltaic panels & rainwater catchment.

Judges Comments

• Library of the future.
• Fun space to experience if you were a kid.
• Thought about maintenance issues, great use of extra materials.
• Energy can be found throughout the space which is hard to find in today’s libraries.
• Great community piece, emphasis on inside and outside use.