walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington

the library's U-shaped plan by johnston architects features distinct wings, with one housing a workroom and the other a meeting space, surrounding the main reading room.

JA edited by christina vergopoulou January 25, 2024 3 min

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large vine maples frame Maple Valley Library

Johnston Architects practice, in association with Cutler Anderson Architects, designed the new library for the city of Maple Valley, Washington. The site is one of the few remaining areas of second-growth forest within city limits. Great care was taken when setting the structure and parking lot within the environment, preserving 90% of the spectacular woodlands. Large vine maples frame the entry to the building. Walls of windows in each corner and high clerestories along the length of the building extend the library’s connection to nature through airy design. The library has become an emblem for Maple Valley. The completed library is highly functional with a children’s area, lounge, meeting room, and a ‘loggia’ looking out upon nurse logs, vine maples, cedar, and Douglas fir.

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 1 — all images courtesy of Johnston Architects

The library design arranges a U-shaped plan

The library follows a U-shaped plan with a work room in one wing and a meeting room in the other. The main reading room completes the U. A simple shed roof is supported by trusses. Wherever possible, wood components are exposed and honored. Water is collected from the roof in one downspout which directs the flow into a moss garden ring honoring the great natural resources of water and forest. The collaborative library project by Johnston Architects and Cutler Anderson Architects was designed with state-of-the-art communications, lighting, and mechanical systems, but its most important quality is evidenced by the joy of the people who use the building and work within it.

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 2 — Johnston Architects, in collaboration with Cutler Anderson Architects, crafted Maple Valley library

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 3 — design elements, including walls of windows and high clerestories, extend the library’s connection to nature

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 4 — committing to environmental conservation, planning preserved 90% of the surrounding woodlands

maple-valley-library-johnston-architects-1800-2 — the U-shaped plan features distinct wings surrounding the main reading room

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 5 — a simple shed roof, supported by trusses, maintains an elegant yet practical architectural style

walls of windows run along airy maple valley library in washington - 6 — exposed wood components throughout the structure pay homage to the natural beauty of the surrounding forest

maple-valley-library-johnston-architects-1800-3 — each corner of the library is adorned with expansive windows, providing panoramic views of the forest

project info:

name: Maple Valley Library
architect: Johnston Architects | @johnston_architects
collaborator: James Cutler – Cutler Anderson Architects | @cutler_anderson

location: Maple Valley, Washington, US

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