Dimensions - September/October 2008 - 4

Incorporating History and Sustainability into Modern Design New Thurmont Regional Library Opens its Doors August 2008 marked the completion of the new 25,000square-foot Thurmont Regional Library in Frederick, Maryland. PSA-Dewberry provided the design for the new replacement branch library located in a sensitive wetland area that serves the rural community. The new facility features two public meeting rooms for community use, a drive-through service window, and a serene outdoor reading deck. Harmonizing with Environmental Surroundings After design was underway, the team discovered that nearly the entire facility site was wetland acreage. The Frederick County Public Library and Town of Thurmont embraced the challenge, and the project was designed to nestle within the wetland environment. The design team used sustainable materials such as linoleum and efficient mechanical systems in order to harmonize with the natural surroundings, maximize natural lighting, and limit solar heat gain. An exterior balcony with several informational stations about the surrounding wetlands serves to educate library visitors. Design Based on History The tower on the exterior and soaring interior lobby is a focal point and represents the historic Catoctin Furnace, native to Frederick County. The furnace was reportedly used during the Revolutionary War to produce cannons and cannonballs. The library’s tower is 40 feet in height, and is constructed of calcium silicate, a replicated stone material. Iron joists and steel elements within the building echo the joists in the original furnace. The library also houses the Thurmont Center for Agricultural History, a 400-square-foot area that features stained glass windows from a church that historically served as a library for the area. Large, exposed wooden beams frame the interior areas and continue to the exterior patio, as well as at the library entrance. The design team replicated the materials of the surrounding environment throughout the library by using stone, wood, and hardy board; a sustainable wood composite. In keeping with the theme of the rural community, the space inside the library resembles agrarian structures, such as barns, sheds and covered bridges. The balance between creating a space to serve a growing community and preserving an organic wetland environment required oversight and review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Darrell Batson, library director of the Frederick County Public Library system states that, “PSA-Dewberry achieved this balance, and managed to create a design that honors the heritage of agriculture and industry in northern Frederick County while maintaining the natural integrity of the surrounding environment.” The exterior balcony features covered seating areas and informational stations about the surrounding wetlands. PSA-Dewberry provided the design for this library located in a sensitive wetland area. An exterior balcony with several informational stations about the surrounding wetlands serves to educate library visitors. 4

http://www.thurmont.com/html/public_library.html

Dimensions - September/October 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - September/October 2008