Scarborough Centre Branch Library/ Community Centre

The 100th branch of the Toronto Public Library is located on a grassy hill within the Scarborough Community Centre. It is at the heart of a symbiosis of environment and landscape, and stands like a podium garden at the forefront of Raymond Moriyama's famous community center. Built in 1973, it was described as "an object in the heart of the landscape". 

The library has a gently sloping roof divided into four slopes that create a raised garden supported by a series of interlocking beam columns. The alternating roof slopes allow views of the vegetation from the street, the walkways of the community center, and the upper floors of the surrounding future residential developments. Inside the library, the crisscrossing slopes enhance the view from the high windows to the green roofs and facilitate natural light throughout the space. 

Three layers of framing (primary, secondary, and tertiary) stacked on top of each other allow for a double cantilever and maximize the number of support-type connections. Lateral loads were an imposing challenge due to the weight of the plants resulting in higher than normal seismic loads. 

The crossing columns at the heart of the beam columns are a prominent architectural feature. They can effectively resist lateral loads without walls or bracing. The wide span of the glulam structure creates a large open area allowing the library to adapt to technological changes and the changing needs of the community. The exposed wood is an all encompassing uniform material that accentuates the monumentality of the space. The space is enlivened by the warm tones of the wood that soak up the changing light throughout the day. 

The optimization of the structure for material use resulted in virtually no repetition. The versatility of glulam allowed the engineers to optimize the use of each piece and create a structure made almost entirely of wood, from the wide columns and beams, to the decking and window lintels. The complex geometry was achieved through a building information modeling (BIM) system developed by the architect and engineer. The model was shared with the glulam manufacturer, who designed their own detailed digital model for the production of each structural member using a CNC router. 

Despite its complexity and the winter months, the prefabricated structure allowed for a quick installation in six weeks, reducing costs, construction time and waste. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified black spruce is harvested at the end of its life cycle near its Quebec production facility. The manufacturer's "Enviro-lam" process includes pieces as small as 1 inch x 2 inches, optimizing the use of the entire tree fiber. The glulam structure is one of the building's many environmental features, along with rainwater harvesting, a green roof and extensive eaves that regulate heat gain and loss through the seasons. The result is an extraordinary and sustainable place of discovery that will inspire the community and the next generation of readers.