Woolston Community Library

Text description provided by the architects. Located on a historic carriage route between Christchurch and the ferry terminal, the new Woolston Community Library is located on the aptly named Ferry Road, replacing the Woolston Community Library which was built in 1871. It is one of the last community facilities to be rebuilt after 2010/10. 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch.

Woolston is a light industrial and residential area with a strong working class identity. Throughout the 20th century, it was the center of the New Zealand rubber and other industries, including a nugget factory and a gelatin and glue factory. Many of these businesses still exist today but the residential growth in the Woolston area is now well integrated with the city of Christchurch.

The building design consists of three main areas: the outer courtyard, the library and the community hall. An existing walkway running the length of the building has been redesigned as a pedestrian walkway connecting from Ferry Road to the upgraded car park. The new pedestrian connection to the daycare center located to the north of the building reinforces the project's integration with the wider urban context.

The red brick façade, the hallmark of the new building, refers directly to the original building, which was a masterpiece of the brick craftsmen of the time. The effect of this brick is enhanced by the restrained use of materials - blackened steel and wood - and simplicity of form reflecting traditional local architecture. In a modern twist on craftsmanship, the design features a raised brick pattern and a combination of vertical and horizontal banding. All bricks were supplied by the only remaining brick manufacturer in New Zealand's South Island.

The asymmetrical pattern in the library's brick facade contrasts with the exposed steel beams that rise above the outer courtyard. Underneath the structure, a wooden glulam canopy recalls the style of the nearby historic buildings and invites people to enter the courtyard. Within the courtyard, the openness of the space is softened by a single Japanese maple tree planted in the center, with lights hanging above.

All interior spaces can be used in different ways: bi-fold glass doors in the library and community hall open onto the patio; Bifold doors to the north of the building connect the community hall to the car park. This flexibility means that the building can be used for larger community events and market days.