Marrickville Library wins the 2020 Timber Design Award
07 December 2020
David Rowlinson
The Marrickville library and community centre is located on the site of the former Marrickville Hospital, which closed in 1990. It’s crafted inside and out with timber, which is used for its columns, façade, screening, internal walls, window and door frames, tiered seating, joinery, ceilings and furniture.
Make it Wood’s David Rowlinson was one of the five Timber Design Award judges. He told the organisers; “2020 has obviously been a very challenging year for all of us. Despite that it’s great to see that the quality and diversity of the projects in the Timber Design Awards has remained extremely high.”
The judges were unanimous in their praise of the winning project, saying; “Marrickville Library has a grand scale without being audacious. It’s breath of application and unprecedented use of timber is extraordinary. In particular the round Glulam columns really accentuate the height of the building, and in referencing the forests where the trees grew, create an exquisite biophilic space to read and learn.
“It is welcoming, warm and homely, and highlights a transformation in the role of libraries from a traditionally quiet place to a vibrant space to learn, work, and play. It’s an uncompromising design with regard to sustainability, providing a contemporary architectural solution to meet the needs of a diverse community.”
You can see all of the other finalists and winners here.
Design: BVN
Photography: Tom Roe, Brett Boardman
David Rowlinson
David hails from Lancashire, England and has lived in Australia since 1994. He studied Architecture at Sheffield University and also has an MBA from Macquarie University and a Master of Marketing from UNSW. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2016 David was Marketing Manager then CEO of a major Sydney-based manufacturer of modular carpets used in all commercial building applications. His proudest achievement was the development of an industry-leading environmental sustainability agenda, including the unique Earthplus product reuse program.