Norwell Public Library

Norwell, MA

Designers of the Norwell Public Library used wood to convey a familiarity and warmth that puts visitors at ease, creating a comfortable, tranquil environment. Clean, simple lines form a single-story building with three wings surrounding a central courtyard garden. Changing scale from the intimate entrance, porch and modest-height lobby to the generous reading rooms creates an intentional delayed enjoyment of surrounding forest views. The U-shaped structure is framed with a combination of mass timber—exposed in all major public spaces—and light wood framing. Influenced by AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence, the library’s design features an exceptional blend of functionality, beauty and sustainability. The team was inspired by the need to create thoughtful architectural responses that facilitate social interaction, establish a sense of community, and contribute to the identity of place.

Version History
  • Project uploaded by WoodWorks on 03-10-2022
  • Project last updated by WoodWorks on 08-27-2024
Project Details
  • Year Built

    2021

  • Number Of Stories

    1

  • Bldg system

    Mass Timber

  • Sq. Meters

    2,015

  • Construction Type:

    V-B

  • Building Type:

    Civic (Recreational)

  • Material Types:

    Mass Timber
    Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
    Light-Frame

Project Team
Version History
  • Project uploaded by WoodWorks on 03-10-2022
  • Project last updated by WoodWorks on 08-27-2024
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