Demco project improves Library space
20 August 2009
Part of LFC Ltd, leading suppliers of educational and multi-cultural products, Demco worked with Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams Architects and Lewisham Library & Information Services to complete the refurbishment.
The Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, recently led the official ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Manor House Library and then joined guests in a tour of the three floors of the impressive house, built in 1772.Lovingly restored, the Grade 2* Listed building retains many of its original features, while offering a new, modern library space that is sure to attract many visitors from the local community. Demco worked with the library team led by Antonio Rizzo, Service Development Manager, Lewisham Library & Information Services, and Mark Pearce from Architects Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams, to design and lay out a library that not only met the high spec of this prestigious building but also DDA accessibility requirements.
The architects used their expertise in working on heritage projects and overcame many of the planning issues and consents that were needed in transforming the listed building. Mark said; “The client had a very clear vision of what they wanted. Our brief was to create a modern library independent of the building itself. The juxtaposition of old and new was very important. Details such as the stainless steel of the self-service machines and the pod counter are incorporated into the structure of the building such as the steel balustrades. What we have is an improved library service in an improved library space”.
Throughout the project Demcos' Library Design Consultant, Phil Costello, met with the architect and library team to discuss, amend and improve layouts to ensure the designs and furnishings stayed in context. Antonio had a clear vision of what he wanted for the library and also the quality of the furnishings to be used. The library shelving used is the very stylish, ITO, with its unique, discrete, wing profile that displays books to the absolute maximum.
Combined with the retro styles and colours of the Boundary social seating in brown and orange, splashes of colour are introduced with bright red and Tarn chairs which are placed in front of the shuttered, Georgian windows overlooking the stunning, landscaped gardens. The childrens’ library in bright orange continues the vivid colour scheme which, by contrast, is very effective against the traditional Georgian colours and plasterwork of the main structure.
Having worked in less than perfect conditions for many years the staff are delighted with the new library; “It’s an old building but everything is modern. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, and we have more light and better access for elderly people and those with children. I am very proud”, said Preetha Nair, Senior Library Assistant.
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- 07/05/2010 - The 2010 StartRight catalogue
- 30/12/2009 - Demco shelves new Shepherds Bush Library
- 30/12/2009 - Demco listened prior to Powerhouse Library re-design
- 29/12/2009 - Demco project at Milton Keynes Library
- 28/12/2009 - Demco project at Coventry History Centre
- 18/12/2009 - Demco transform Wandsworth Museum into relaxing Library
