Civic Commitment = Climate Commitment
The design for the new Redmond Library embodies a forward-thinking vision that seamlessly integrates with the city’s historical context. The building’s defining feature is its broad, unifying roof: a generous front porch that invites indoor/outdoor participation with the public realm. This roof was sized to host a photovoltaic array that generates the building’s entire annual energy needs, demonstrating the Library’s commitment to being all-electric, net-zero energy, and operationally carbon neutral.
Diversity Under One Roof
The library’s dramatic structural span provides a long-term nimble home for the diversity of experiences requested by the community. Extensive engagement with the community (families, seniors, unhoused individuals, LGBTQ+ groups, and Latinx community members) determined the innovative library program. Feedback from Spanish-speaking families led to dual language way-finding and the strategic placement of the Spanish collection to promote intergenerational use. The increase in remote workers and startups in the region necessitated a co-working area, and the area’s hand-on spirit called for a creative making space whose activities can spill out onto the Civic porch. Balancing a modern aesthetic within Redmond’s civic district, the project provides a vibrant, welcoming space tailored to the community’s diverse needs.
Connected to the Environment
Residents of Central Oregon are known for being outdoorsy, self-sufficient and committed to the dramatic landscape. In keeping with that spirit, the building’s design prioritizes occupant well-being from the moment one enters. Visitors are welcomed by the warm interior of the regionally sourced mass timber structure and abundant natural daylight, which reaches 99% of regularly occupied spaces. Large canopy overhangs provide shade, allowing people to sit comfortably next to the windows without needing to lower blinds; while overhead skylights balance light levels at the building’s center. A raised access floor delivers low-velocity conditioned displacement air directly to occupants, improving air quality and reducing the potential for viral transmission. A remote access control system allows for continuous monitoring and optimization of mechanical systems and solar power production, ensuring the building consistently meets its net-zero energy goals.
Design Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company
Local Architect: Steele Associates Architects
Civil Engineer: HWA
Structural Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
MEP Engineer: Interface Engineering
Landscape Architect: Walker Macy
Lighting: Blanca Lighting Design
Signage: Mayer Reed
Early Learning Environments: Plus and Greater Than
Acoustics: Tenor Engineering Group
Envelope: Morrison Hershfield (now Stantec)
ADA: Studio Pacifica
Photographer: Lara Swimmer
Artist: John Grade