Building a Modern Space for Discovery and Community
The new Laurel Branch Library in Laurel, Maryland, was designed to be much more than a repository for books and other media. Grimm+Parker Architects designed this 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award winner to be a modern space for discovery and community – a central hub for the local community. The 32,000 sq. foot building replaced the original facility that was built in 1965.
The new building features a host of modern amenities, including study rooms, a teen zone, a gaming room – even a dinosaur-themed children’s room as a tribute to dinosaur bones discovered in Laurel.
Complex Engineering
Kingspan spent approximately three months engineering the panel design for this project. The challenge for us on this part of the project was getting the joints to align around all four sides of the building’s upper sloping canopy. Three-dimensional modeling was used as a solution to establish a joint layout for one section and then modeled it around the other three sides. While the design was extremely complex, the installation was relatively simple and was handled by the general contractor.
Complex Architectural Applications
There are eight window-surround “pods” built into the exterior of the building, and three entrances of similar construction. The plans called for no exposed fasteners on these. Kingspan developed a unique modified edge detail for the lower pods that comprised a full-wrap panel edge with a concealed 20-gauge mounting angle. The abutting panel that intersected around the corner contained a short-flange modified edge so the trimless corners could be stitched together using #10 screws. Color coordinated silicone sealant was used to fill the fastening cavity, which allowed the pods to build without exposed fasteners or exterior trim. The end result was a clean, modern look that met the design intent.
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LOCATION
Laurel, MD
MANUFACTURER
Kingspan Insulated Panels
