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Plumstead Library

A Grade II-listed public library refurbished, extended and transformed into a new civic anchor for Plumstead’s local community

  • London, United Kingdom

    London, United Kingdom

The project was named as the AJ100 Building of the Year 2021

Originally constructed in 1903, Plumstead Library needed a renovation, and an extension was conceived to accommodate mixed-use community space. Amenities such as a gym, sports hall, and café would be added as part of the redevelopment. The library is owned and operated by the London Borough of Greenwich, who appointed Hawkins Brown as the project architect and Stantec as the multidisciplinary (civil, structural, MEP) engineering team.

The refurbishment works were undertaken in close liaison with the heritage office and involved structural reinstatement, strengthening and new additions which complemented the heritage features. The new contemporary extension is a steel-framed building with in-situ composite floors supported on shallow foundations.

We were also responsible for providing effective initial design advice through to the production of a co-ordinated building information modelling (BIM) Level 2 Revit model. Our primary issue was developing a strategy to effectively integrate modern MEP solutions into the existing library’s constrained spaces. By initially completing detailed design calculations, the pipework, ductwork, and cable tray could be accurately sized prior to the commencement of modelling.

The implementation of BIM and a collaborative approach were instrumental in the success of the project. The use of BIM was an essential tool in analysing service routes and their visual impact within the spaces, particularly in the existing building due to the sensitive nature of the finishes required these listed areas.

Stantec were appointed by Royal Borough Greenwich since Stage 1 and were subsequently appointed by the Design & Build contractor to completion.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • London Borough of Greenwich
Architect
Hawkins Brown
Image Credit
Jack Hobhouse Photography
Award
Highly Commended in the Civic Trust Awards 2021

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