Orcas Island Public Library Expansion

Located in the San Juan Islands, the Orcas Island Public Library expansion doubled the occupied space of the existing library. The superstructure of the building was designed to appear as a continuation of the existing building, matching similar structural materials and detailing.

This project highlights exposed custom glulam trusses that mimic the architectural expression of the custom trusses in the original building, and a pin pile foundation was utilized to minimize soil improvement costs.

With the remote location of the project, special considerations needed to be taken during design to ensure availability and constructability. For example, Lund Opsahl assessed of the cost trade off of adding a basement level or importing fill soils to place the addition on one level. Because of the scarcity of quality structural fill soils on the island, unusual costs would be incurred if this option was used.