plusofficearchitects: E-BIB

For the new library in St-Pieters-Woluwe plusofficearchitects conceived a precious and performative object amidst the housing fabric: a golden building in the green garden district of this inner suburb.

Although the building was designed to house a collection of books and the rhythm of the windows follow an optimal grid for spacing shelving units, the main structural framework developed by plusofficearchitects can incorporate a series of uses and adaptation.

The building was designed as a space for exchange of ideas and dialogue, and not only for books. The evolution of library collections is volatile and new media is challenging the library as a concept. Hence the architecture is neutral and functional on the inside, generous in space and circulation loops, with a clear and identifiable facade.

Central to the plan is the patio garden that regulates the heath and daylight needed for the building energy consumption and allows for outdoor reading at the same time. The library is the first in Belgium to follow the passive house construction standard, resulting in extreme low energy consumption and is equipped with several energy features such as heath pump, photo voltaic panels and bulky insulation.

Not unlike the gilded letters in mediaeval scripts the library is clad with metal panels, an alloy that differs less than 2% from standard euro-cent coins. The facade cladding is deliberate in how it reflects the surrounding yet radiates a precious golden glow on a background of lush greens. Inside the main activities room holds a precious metal ceiling designed in the sixties by Jules Wabbes, that was recuperated from the general bank building in Brussels city center. Originally based on the size of Belgian Currency notes of 2000 Fr., the metal ceiling made of a messing panels placed in an orthogonal grid directs the light downward and generates a soft hue of golden light supporting the intimate atmosphere of the room where book readings and poetry recitals take place on a regular basis.

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