New Library at Douai Abbey
WINNER - 2011 Civic Trust Awards
Berkshire
Client
Douai Abbey
Architect
David Richmond Partners
Overview
Until completion of the new library, the Abbey had no suitable accommodation for its collection of important historical books, manuscripts, archives and portraits - nor adequate facilities for monks and guests to undertake study and research. Now they have 10KM of shelving in the new library!
The library, which was opened by the Most Revd’ Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, has been carefully designed to blend with the existing monastic buildings. The envelope is constructed from a combination of stone, stack-bonded facing bricks, stainless steel cladding and oak. It is connected to the Abbey Church and North Accommodation Block by cloisters. Behind the envelope is a concrete mass structure designed to help regulate internal temperature (augmented by a ground source heat pump) and sophisticated ventilation system to control the air moisture content, which is so critical to the safe storage of the archives.
Value
£1.3m
Duration
44 weeks
