12 April, 2018

buncrana library

Buncrana Library is located in a converted Presbyterian church. The architect Peter Cullinane designed the building as 'mother and child'. This design allows the extension to coexist in harmony with the existing church. The building has a partial first floor mezzanine. Natural light from windows is supplemented with low energy fluorescent lighting. The building is naturally ventilated. A traditional 'Drontheim' fishing boat hangs suspended from the ceiling. 

Info courtesy of Public Library Buildings








42 comments:

  1. Hello, I would love to visit this library. The architecture is wonderful and I love the unique windows. Do you live close enough to walk to the library?

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  2. I love libraries and would love the see this in person.

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  3. A fitting use for the old church, somewhere were people can meet

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  4. The library in my small town is currently being enlarged and renovated, but I don't think there will be a boat hanging from the rafters.... what a shame! The newer part of the building compliments the older part beautifully.

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  5. This is very cool. And very creative. Love it! Nice photos, too, Bill. And it's about time the Presbyterians got converted. Heh, heh!

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  6. Better a library with many points of view than a church with only one point of view.

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  7. Good use made of an abandoned church. we took in an old fire hall with our library addition.

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  8. The two sections are paired rather nicely. I love the boat!

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  9. A spectacular location for a library. Wonderful photos, Bill.

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  10. The extension suits the original building very well.

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  11. A great reuse of the church building!

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  12. O, so nice! Thank you for all these photos.

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  13. So interesting to see a boat hanging from the ceiling of the library.
    The church building is beautiful.
    Greetings
    Maria de
    Divagar Sobre Tudo um Pouco

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  14. That stonework is really fascinating. Varied sizes and surfaces. It's well done. And that boat is a real beauty.

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  15. Hi Bill.

    Pretty buildings.
    I go more for the old ones in the beautiful stones.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  16. Prachtige foto's Bill met mooie details. Fraaie serie.
    groet kees.

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  17. Magnificent building. Tastefully built to supplement the church.

    God bless.

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  18. In a neighboring town an old church was used as a library for a long time. A fitting use of grand buildings, I think. I love the windows on this one.

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  19. I'm liking the boat from the ceiling, what is the age of the old part of the library?

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  20. What a wonderful location for a library. The windows are very special indeed, and I love the boat hanging from the ceiling.

    All the best Jan

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  21. I haven't heard of this 'mother and child' before ... I'm thinking I like the 'mother' more than the child, but then I never met a library that I didn't like!!!

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  22. The library is like a church (which is very beautiful old church). I like a lot.
    It's great that the form of the library is the same as the church. It is not usually so common construction method.

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  23. I have never seen a library beside a church. Very appropriate, I think.
    :)

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  24. Hi.
    Good contrast of buildings. Curious the ship on the roof of the bookstore.

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  25. I would be so happy sitting under that boat with a good book! Loved that the Library is naturally ventilated and lit -- I'd never heard of the 'mother and child' architecture, but it makes perfect sense on seeing the picture and reading your clear explanation. Such a great idea to keep the lovely Church intact but add what was needed in a way that did not detract from it. I assume that is the kind of boat that was once used by fishermen?

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  26. Interesting post. The boat seems a bit odd to be in a library but it looks good.

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  27. Neat concept. Great way to repurpose the building.

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  28. They suits very well together, nice done.

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  29. I hope and pray you are well, Bill.

    God bless.

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  30. Very interesting place. Built in 1861?
    MB

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  31. I'm assuming you are on a holiday somewhere, Bill! Missing your posts.

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  32. I'm with RedPat. I hope you're on holiday and enjoying yourself. Miss your posts.

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  33. I'm assuming as well that you're off on vacation.

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  34. What a fantastic building for a library!

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  35. I enjoyed this visit . . .
    Would enjoy in person too . . .

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