Quebec church transformed into a library by Dan Hanganu and Côté Leahy Cardas
Canadian studios Dan Hanganu Architectes and Côté Leahy Cardas Architectes have revamped the tent-like structure of a church in Quebec to create a modern library featuring coloured glazing, spiral staircases and lofty ceilings.
Completed in 1964 by Canadian architect Jean-Marie Roy, the St. Denys-du-Plateau Church already boasted a dramatically pointed structure that appears to float just above the ground. Dan Hanganu Architectes and Côté Leahy Cardas Architectes left this structure intact but added a pair of glazed blocks, one at either end.
Renamed as the Monique-Corriveau Library, in memory of a local author, the building now houses a public library and local community centre spread across two overground storeys and a large basement level.
Visitors enter the building through a grand atrium that reveals the full internal height of the roof. This is located within the former church nave, and leads through to shelving stacks, reading areas and study desks.
The largest of the two extensions sits over the footprint of the demolished former presbytery to accommodate staff offices and community event spaces.
"This separation of functions means that the community hall can be kept open outside library opening hours, while the spectacular and monumental volume of the nave is preserved," said the designers.
The walls of this block feature an assortment of clear, silk-screened and coloured glass panels. The roof drops in height for a small section before meeting the old church, allowing the two volumes to appear visually separate.
The small front extension satisfies a requirement for an emergency escape staircase and is finished in the same tinted glass.
Project Credits: Structure: BPR Mechanical/Electricity: BPR Acoustician: Audiofax Contractor: Pomerleau Artists: Claudie Gagnon Project size: 4400m2 (3 levels) Cost: $14.7 millions Date of completion: Occupation autumn 2013
*Appreciation towards www.dezeen.com for providing the project description.*
