Eatonville Public Library
Etobicoke, Ontario
Teeple Architects Inc.

A library defines a border between city and highway

© Michael Awad

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The Eatonville Library is situated at the edge of the city, where the intersection of a major road and a highway occurs. The nature of that position is captured in the space of the library. A zinc band, reflecting the speed and dynamism of the highway, is stretched between stone walls that ground the building to the urbanity of the street. This band forms a deep overhang that shades the clerestory window above the perimeter bookshelves. This minimizes heat gain in winter, while enabling sunlight to penetrate the library in the winter months. The facility includes fully networked public areas, a large childcare area, study and lounge areas, as well as a community room.

The building can be experienced at both the city and the regional levels, as one enters the library through its two entrances. On the urban street front, entry to the building is along the pedestrian-scaled stone wall, while the main entrance passes below and through the highway-scaled curved zinc wall. One's experience of the building shifts from the city to the highway, from stasis to a dynamic space from which the flow of traffic is constantly in view.

Daylighting is the principle means of achieving energy savings in the project. Translucent glazing systems are utilized throughout the building. These are punctuated by clear bay windows that cut through the facades creating localized views at reading areas and carrels. The principal building materials include black natural stone, brick, and zinc cladding. Natural, low VOC materials including linoleum floors have been utilized throughout the interior.

Formal name of Project:
Eatonville Public Library

Location:
Etobicoke, Ontario

Gross square footage:
25,000 sq ft

Total construction cost:
$2.29 million

Owner:
Toronto Public Library

Architect:
Teeple Architects Inc.
511 King Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5V 1K4
Telephone – (416) 598-0554
Fax – (416) 598-1705