A Hub of Inspiration: St Mary’s Calne Library
Situated at the heart of the St Mary’s Calne School campus in Wiltshire, UK, the newly completed library by Woods Bagot London Studio stands as a beacon of learning and innovation. Integrating seamlessly with the surrounding apple orchard and century-old buildings, the library serves as a dynamic center for inspiration.
Harmonizing with Tradition
From the exterior, the 660-square-meter structure presents a modest rectangular pavilion clad in brick, adorned with a timber and glass roof. Yet, upon entering, visitors are greeted by dynamic interiors, meticulously designed to cater to various educational needs. The ground floor fosters collaborative projects, with direct access to the orchard, while the upper level provides a serene environment for focused individual study.
Innovative Design Elements
Ancillary brick structures flanking the building perimeter house storage, stair access, and small project rooms, optimizing space for learning and reading. Traditional book racks are eschewed in favor of study booths, display zones, and integrated shelving within the interior walls. The glazed façade, facing northeast, balances natural light while offering picturesque views of the gardens and orchard.
Inspired by Nature
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding fruit trees, structural support beams mimic the branches of trees, creating an organic and inviting atmosphere. Clerestory glazing and double-height curtain walls flood the interiors with daylight, while metal details on the façade echo the vertical elements of the trees, blending contemporary design with natural aesthetics.
Academic Haven
The library’s scale and detail align with the architectural language of the school, yet its contemporary composition marks it as a distinctive addition to the campus. Serving as the western edge of the central greenspace, the library stands as a testament to academic excellence and architectural innovation.
Collaboration and Vision
St Mary’s Calne School, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, entrusted Woods Bagot with the task of designing a library that would redefine the school’s academic and social landscape. Through a collaborative design process involving school leadership, staff, and students, the resulting library embodies best practices in teaching and learning, preparing students for the challenges of future academic endeavors.
