Birkenhead Library

It's all in here. The authorities had the foresight to recognise Birkenhead's need for a proper small scale service hub when the old library was due for an update in 2008, and they packed it all in.

Engaging RDT Pacific, what they got was a Civic Centre with much style and grace and every notional service packed in. The plunket nurse is here, the town archives, library, public toilets, citizens advice bureau and community meeting rooms. A deceptive design which looks like it could have originated in the 1960s, thanks to a smattering of orange brick cladding, is actually definitively a product of the new millenium. It was produced to the strictest budget ($9.5 million) and the other building materials are economical and easy to source precast concrete and steel.

RDT Pacific (who also designed Toia Otahuhu) were proud to announce that they had managed to recycle 94% of waste material from the construction due to careful ordering and contractor management. The only hint of extravagance in this comfortable and functional community hub might be the laminated Purple Heart and Alaskan Yellow Cedar 'fins' upon the western exterior wall, intended to shade glazed and decking areas. The resulting interest and shade factors from inside and out justify their inclusion.

Internally, the mezzanine is introspective and set away from the walls, which does maximise surprisingly good views in most directions. Laser cut panels on ceilings and walls add art and interest without being overbearing but maybe running a slim risk of becoming dated. The intention, in combination with blue and green glass elements was to give the feeling of reading under the canopy of a kauri tree. If this doesn't work for you, there is always a selection David Truebridge light fixtures to admire, and some pretty nice landscaping and old pohutukawas upon the remaining half of the reserve.

Serving a population of about 30,000 and growing, this public building is doing it's job and more.

Image Credits: Celia Walker