Public buildings - Libraries

Balham Library

Ramsden Road, London SW12

Public Library for the
London Borough of Wandsworth

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 on to 
a recently formed square.

The new ground floor forms an 
extension to the original and an 
enlarged adult lending library.  
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.


Key Facts

Floor area :	
New build			850 m²
Original			300 m²

Libraries - Space allocation :
Adult Library	   	360 m²
Meeting room	125 m²
Childrens Library165 m²
Music Library		140 m²

Site area			0.1 ha
Site coverage	65%