The Traverwood Branch Library is a one story library building with underground parking that brought together a variety of materials in its construction. The building sits on approximately 4.3 acres on the North East side of Ann Arbor in an “L” shape. The building design incorporates a floor plan that is not shy to angles, sloped walls and cantilevered roofs. While this buildings complex shape was a challenge to design and draw, it is a challenge that was openly welcomed at Robert Darvas Associates.The building was designed with sustainability in mind. Ash trees from the site that had been killed by the Emerald Ash Borer were re-used in the building as structural columns, flooring and wall paneling. Additionally, this was the first building where we incorporated the use of a High Recycled Content Concrete mix. After researching the mix designs it was decided that this type of concrete would be suitable for a number of the vertical concrete walls to be used in the underground parking. Its use was highly successful and has become a standard in our designs today.
Vibration control was a strong concern in this building and an extensive analysis was completed. A king post truss design for floor beams accommodates the strict vibration, mechanical and architectural requirements.
RDA successfully supported the architect’s vision of the globe inside the box with open dialog, provocative imaginings, and remarkable results. The iconic expression of the weightless orb is a true mark of the successful collaboration of the building’s team.
The whole team worked well together with the favorable outcome of completing the project ahead of schedule and under budget.