McHenry Library / Bora Architects

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Exterior Photography, FacadeMcHenry Library / Bora Architects - Image 2 of 20McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeMcHenry Library / Bora Architects - Image 15 of 20McHenry Library / Bora Architects - More Images+ 15

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Chad Ziemendorf

Text description provided by the architects. The renovation and addition to the McHenry Library renews a campus icon. The original library, designed by John Carl Warnecke and built in 1968, is a modernist and beloved structure of concrete and glass that sits amongst a grove of redwood trees at the heart of the campus. The 162,000sf building was given an extensive and intricate structural upgrade and interior renovation. A 118,000sf addition was designed to complement the original modernist structure through repetition of materials, scale and form.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Image 2 of 20
© Chad Ziemendorf

Re-organizing the interior maximizes the use of daylighting. Seismic, life safety and technology upgrades were designed to maximize building efficiency.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Interior Photography, Chair, Table, Facade
© Chad Ziemendorf

The new wing respects the integrity of the existing building while continuing the balance between building and context. The lines of the original building are extended into the addition, their texture, proportion and rhythm are reinterpreted. The regular pattern of glass and concrete is echoed in the addition, but now reflects internal program elements. Nearly 40% of the building is in fenestration.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, Chair
© Chad Ziemendorf

The library collection was moved onto compact shelving in the central core, affording protection from daylight and improving floorplate efficiency. A centrally-located cafe, extensive soft seating, reading porches and study rooms are designed to offer a variety of studying options and gathering spaces.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair
© Chad Ziemendorf

A new interior ‘street’ organizes the program elements, improving wayfinding and functionality. A commons at the intersection of the addition and the renovation on the main level accommodates computer stations and information desks in a flexible hub of activity. Wireless and fiber-optic communication is provided, increasing the usability of all library spaces.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Image 15 of 20
© Chad Ziemendorf

By placing seating and social area on the building perimeter, students can take advantage of daylight and forest views offered from extensive floor-to-ceiling windows.

McHenry Library / Bora Architects - Image 18 of 20
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Address:Santa Cruz, California, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "McHenry Library / Bora Architects" 14 Dec 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/306098/mchenry-library-boora-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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