Barrie Public Library, Painswick Branch

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The Painswick branch of the Barrie Public Library is a 15,000 square foot open-space facility and was constructed as a direct response to the rapid growth of the south Barrie community.

Designed by ZAS Architects with WSP Structural Engineers (formerly Halsall Associates), the $7-million project represents the beginning of Barrie’s multi-branch library system.  The design guarantees a bright and welcoming atmosphere by virtue of a large transparent public lobby, high ceilings, and expansive curtainwall. Designed using LEED© Silver benchmarks, the Painswick branch also features sustainable elements such as a high reflective roof and exterior sun shading. 

The library’s front-facing elevation features six inclined round hollow structural steel (HSS) columns supporting the roof overhang. The base of each inclined column is fitted with a Cast Connex® Universal Pin Connector™ (UPC-219); the true-pin connection provides a tectonic expression for the inclined column.

The Universal Pin Connector is designed specifically for AESS conditions and are easily welded to HSS members of varying sizes.  In the case of the Barrie Public Library’s Painswick branch, the columns fitted with UPCs were hot-dipped galvanized. Pin hardware includes electropolished stainless steel cap plates and washers.

Owner: City of Barrie
Architect: ZAS Architects + Interiors
Structural Engineeer: WSP
General Contractor: Bertram Construction Ltd. 
Steer Fabricator & Erector: North Steel