Barrie Public Library, Painswick Branch

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.