A dramatic wood-framed canopy shelter visitors entering the Salt Spring Island Public Library—once inside, they’re welcomed by warm millwork and panelling.
- Glue-laminated timber rafters extend beyond the north and south walls, visible beneath the cantilevered eaves.
- Designed to LEED Gold standard.
- Acoustic linear wood ceilings muffle noise to help preserve a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
This library is built using a post-and-beam system with glue-laminated (glulam) joists and rafters, supporting the textured wood panels and tongue and groove wood roof on the second floor.
On the northwest corner of the building, the library entrance is sheltered by a glulam-framed canopy, with the exposed structure supported on a single steel column.
Inside, glulam post and beam connections are elegantly detailed with diagonal braces and neatly concealed steel plates. The interior features wood doors and trims, millwork and panelling.
Exterior and shear walls, as well as interior partitions, use light wood-frame construction. The floors and roof include plywood diaphragms.
The efficient and welcoming design of the library fits into its physical and broader cultural context. Located off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is the largest in British Columbia’s Gulf Island chain. The island of about 10,000 people has a diverse and flourishing artistic community centered in the town of Ganges.