krM had the privilege of working with the Brownsburg Library in 1998 for a 51,000 SF renovation project, doubling its size. Fast forward to 2019, and the library had seen its fair share of use. The library administration, Library Board, and Friends of the Library decided to initiate an interior renovation project to bring the facility up 21st century standards. The project has resulted in updated technologies, lighting, mechanical systems, new flexible furniture, more varied spaces for patron’s choosing, and new views to the exterior.

The outside trombe wall along the west side was dismantled and become a glass wall. All of the bathrooms, storage space, library shop and staff areas that were previously along the exterior were moved to the interior, and the area along the glass wall is now public space. The massive new windows that now showcase the building’s entrance were made possible by implementation of thoughtful resources. The costly heat that would typically be produced by windows like these, was addressed through triplepane glazing, a technology that reduces solar glare without compromising visible light transmittance. This allows the library to save on long-term energy costs through natural lighting as well as reduced air conditioning for years to come. All these details matter when it comes to functionality and the bottom line.

The number of study rooms also tripled from three to nine, and the teen and tween program areas were updated to be more inviting for that age group by having a larger, more defined space. The renovation was completed in four different phasing sequences so that the library could remain open and serving the public throughout construction.