Balham Library
Balham Library, Balham, London: public library for the
London Borough of Wandsworth
Key Facts
Floor areas:
New build 850 m²
Original 300 m²
Space allocation:
Adult Library 360 m²
Meeting room 125 m²
Children’s Library 165 m²
Music Library 140 m²
Site area: 0.1 ha
Site coverage: 65%
This project involved a two storey extension to a single storey Victorian library on a site created by the demolition of a group of earlier additions.
The adjoining land owners were persuaded to release a boundary wall and strip of land so that the new building could open onto a recently formed square. The new ground floor extension to the original forms an enlarged adult lending library and replanning released a hall which, with new toilets and kitchen area, created a much needed revenue earning community facility.
The elevation of the new building overlooks the square and raises the scale of the original building to sit comfortably alongside a new supermarket.
The main entrance has been relocated so that the library is entered through the extension, increasing its visibility and providing an entrance which is suitable for wheelchairs.
A generous lift provides access to a children’s and audio library at first floor level together with staff areas.
Economy of construction was achieved using an in-situ concrete frame with brick cladding and a trussed rafter roof.
A demountable form of partitioning was used in the new building together with an extendable system of power outlets which will allow the building to respond to the changing needs of the library service.
External areas were re-paved making the old library entrance suitable for disabled use and creating appropriate and manageable external spaces.