Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
Despite being the busiest library in Minnesota, Roseville Library was dark, unwelcoming, dated, and inefficient. A much-needed renovation and second floor expansion completely transformed the 1990s building. MSR Design‘s work, LEED Gold certified, uses the addition of daylit open spaces and views to the outside to accomplish this transformation.
Courtesy of MSR Design – Photographs : Lara Swimmer Photography
Conveniently located off the major highway that runs through this community (a first-ring suburb of the Twin Cities) and also near the area?s popular shopping destinations, the library is nestled into a dense residential neighborhood of 1950s era homes. The context shaped the form and orientation of the building.
Instead of expanding to the north on land purchased by the library for this purpose, the architect suggested expanding upward, an option that the library had not previously considered. This space-saving alternative allows much-needed additional parking for the busy library and saved money as well.
Courtesy of MSR Design – Photographs : Lara Swimmer Photography
The most sustainable building is one that can be reused. Because the community considered the existing building an eyesore, reusing it was not a popular decision. But reusing the existing building was a sustainable choice. One of the key sustainable strategies entailed reinvesting in the existing site and reusing 75% of the ...