State Library NSW

SLNSW Public Libraries

Small Library Project
 Project Name State Library Small LIbraries
Project Code SLSL
Document Name Report no.2
Document ID 170605 State Library Small Library
Revision Date Comment Approved
0 05.06.2017 Final Report Draft AH

sydney Level 5, 70 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia t +61 2 9251 7077
melbourne Level 2, 56 Hardware Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia t +61 3 9604 2500
oxford Belsyre Court, 57 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HJ United Kingdom t +44 1865 29 2042
london 42–43 Upper Berkeley Street, London W1H 5PW United Kingdom t +44 2037 52 6762

w fjmtstudio.com

Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp Pty Ltd ABN 28 101 197 219

Nominated architect Richard Francis-Jones ARBNSW 5301
Registered architect Richard Francis-Jones
Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp Ltd Company no 7384142 ARB 078103G

2 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

Stage 1 - Develop a series of plan templates to assist councils to more easily design and build small scale public libraries. The project would likely include ‘modules’ to be designed that can be put together
to create a usable library space. These modules could also be used to extend existing library spaces, for example, to include additional seating or a meeting room (Brief) 1

Stage 2 - Design and scope the fitout of a ‘shipping container’ style library that could be temporarily located in a small community to provide longer term services than the traditional mobile library visit.

Stage 3 - Investigate and cost the development of suitable prefabricated options that could be purchased by councils to contain the modules.

francis-jones morehen thorp    3

1.0 Benchmarks

A series of benchmarks has been investigated of libraries which

relate to the briefed ‘small library’ areas. The State Library NSW
Small Library Brief has been used as a reference for the 500sqm
library and the Area Calculation Spreadsheets have been used to
approximate the size of various functions for each library size.

< 200 sqm libraries

internets

kids area
store and staff
mobile work area
borrowing and
membership shelving to
allow space
books for events
GILES SREET FOOTPATH

ENTRY

books books

dvds, cds,
story time and audiobooks
casual seating
catalogues
newspapers and
magazines
Kingston Library
Floor Plan

Kingston Library ACT (BVN Architects) Watsons Bay LIbrary Kiosk (CK International)

4 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

500 sqm library 1000 sqm library

Junee Library (Lee Hillam) Magere East Public Library (Jasmax)

francis-jones morehen thorp   benchmarks 5

2.0 Library Planning Modules

The generic library plans provided as part of the prefabrication study can be used to assist librarians in the preliminary
planning of small libraries and library extensions. A kit of parts is also provided below which when printed to scale can
offer further ‘Lego’ elements which when combined can offer a preliminary understanding of space requirements.
1,500 600 1,500
900

983
900

00
1,0
900

00
1,5
900
900

30 BAYS 28 BAYS + 4 SEATS

6.3 x 5.4m 34m2
TYPE 1 TYPE 4
1:50 1:50

1,000
1,500

1,499
200
1,200

1,000
200

18 BAYS + 8 SEATS 28 BAYS + 4 SEATS

6.3 x 5.4m 34m2
TYPE 2 TYPE 5
1:50 1:50
1,000
1,2
00

20 BAYS + 10 SEATS 16 BAYS + 10 SEATS

6TYPE 3 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape TYPE 6  state library nsw
1:50 1:50
Modules can be combined with circulation space to understand overall space requirements.

TYPE 3 TYPE 3 TYPE 3

1,2
00

TYPE 5 TYPE 2
Combined Elements
1:50

last saved by: Peter Ewald-Rice on 5/12/2016

francis-jones morehen thorp   library planning modules 7

Typical seating arrangements for small ‘shelving rooms’ or in
open plan arrangements are detailed below. Allowance for
wheelchair circulation should be taken into consideration if the
space is enclosed or constrained by surrounding furniture.

3,500 3,500 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,00

3,500 3,000
4,200 4,200 3,000 3,000
4,200 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,500 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000
3,000 3,500 3,500
4,200 3,000 930 930
4,200 4,200 3,000 3,000 930
3,000 3,000 3,000
930 930 930

3,000
3,000

3,000
3,000
3,500
3,500

3,000
3,500

3,000

3,000

3,000
3,400

3,400
3,400

3,400

3,000
3,400

3,400

3,000

3,000

3,500
3,500

3,500
3,400

3,400
3,400

3,400

3,400

3,400

3,000
3,000

3,000
4,700

1,500
3,400

19 19

8 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

 750
500

Typical shelf and workpoint dimensions are detailed

below. These are for average adult physiques and not for AVERAGE REACH-
children or people with larger or smaller frames SITTING

1,500

1,900
900 900 900 900 900 900
900 900 900

750
500

900 900 900

AVERAGE REACH-
SITTING
750
500

1,500

1,900
TYPICAL SHELVING MODULES
AVERAGE REACH-
SITTING

1,500

1,900
1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
1,000 1,000 1,000

PACE
CE
600 600
600

PACE

250
1,000 1,000 1,000 BENCH HEIGHT

900
TYPICAL WORKPOINT SPACING AVERAGE REACH
PACE
600

150 450
600

1,000 1,000
1,000

PACE
CE
PACE
600 600
600

1,000

WORKPOINT SPACING
250

PACE
600

BENCH HEIGHT DESK HEIGHT

900

750 750
720

750
600 600
600

150 450 150 450

250

600 600

750 BENCH HEIGHT

MINIMUM WORKPOINT SPACING WORKING AND STANDING BENCH HEIGHTS AVERAGE SEATING DESK HEIGHT (varies for tall and short
900

physiques)
600

150 450
600

DESK HEIGHT
720

150 450
francis-jones morehen thorp 600   library planning modules 9

DESK HEIGHT
0
3.0 Meeting Room Modules
C FRANCIS-JONES MOREHEN THORP PTY LTD 2010 ABN 28 101 197 219

A range of meeting room modules copied directly from recently completed fjmt libraries is provided
for information below. This should allow librarians and planners a greater understanding of the area
and capacity of meeting spaces and their ability to work as flexible multi-use space.

9,065 4,800
6,450

1,800

1,800
3,000
2,555

2,410
1,800 6.16 m2

BREAKOUT BREAKOUT BREAKOUT BREAKOUT

12,585

12,585

12,585

12,145
114.09 m2 60.40 m2 114.09 m2 60.40 m2 114.09 m2 60.40 m2 114.09 m2 60.40 m2
78.34 m2

1,200
INTERVIEW - 6m2
1,800

4,515

3,690
TV 16.66 m2
1,800

1,800

1,800
1,200
1,800 1,800 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
ICT TRAINING STAFF - 78m2 INTERVIEW - 6m2
FLEXIBLE MEETING ROOMS - 114m2 - OPTION 1 FLEXIBLE MEETING ROOMS - 114m2 - OPTION 2 FLEXIBLE MEETING ROOMS - 114m2 - OPTION 3 FLEXIBLE MEETING ROOMS - 114m2 - OPTION 4

25,150
7,990

BREAKOUT BREAKOUT BREAKOUT

200.95 m2 200.95 m2 200.95 m2

1,500

1,800
1,800
16,170

406.66 m2 406.66 m2 406.66 m2

3,000

3,000

3,000
1,800 1,800
FUNCTION ROOM - 406m2 - OPTION 1 FUNCTION ROOM - 406m2 - OPTION 2 FUNCTION ROOM - 406m2 - OPTION 3

PLAN Meeting Room Layouts

10 1 1:200fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

0 2 5 10m
01 197 219

3,830 7,895
1,800 1,800
1,000

1,000

1,800
5,035

5,035

TV 19.28 m2 TV 39.75 m2 TV TV 39.75 m2 TV

1,500
1,000

900
1,500 1,500
600

600

600

600

600
1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
STAFF MEETING - 19m2 INCUBATOR / COMMUNITY ROOMS - 40m2 - OPTION 1 INCUBATOR / COMMUNITY ROOMS - 40m2 - OPTION 2

18,150 18,150
3,330

BREAKOUT 3,330 BREAKOUT

60.44 m2 1,500 60.44 m2
2,400

2,400
8,720

8,720

107.78 m2 50.49 m2
1,500
1,200

1,200
52.16 m2 55.61 m2 50.49 m2

3,000 1,200 1,200 1,200

600

600

1,500 1,500
ICT TRAINING ROOMS / CONFERENCE ROOMS - OPTION 1 ICT TRAINING ROOMS / CONFERENCE ROOMS - OPTION 2

11,540

3,640 14,710
3,515

BREAKOUT
40.56 m2 40.56 m2
SOUNDLOCK EQUIPMENT
1,800

1,800
162.92 m2
11,075

BREAKOUT
40.32 m2
8,500

98.09 m2 98.09 m2 49.04 m2

2,400

2,400
1,500 1,800 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500
80 PERSON THEATRETTE - 163m2 ACTIVITY ROOMS - 98m2 - OPTION 1 ACTIVITY ROOMS - 98m2 - OPTION 2

PLAN Meeting Room Layouts

1 1:200
francis-jones morehen thorp   meeting room modules 11
4.0 Transportable Modules for Prefabrication

To review prefabrication of library buildings, a transport ‘module’ overlay

was applied to the typical plans evolving from the benchmark studies.
The size of transportable modules varies and would require further input
from both the prefabricator but modules are limited to avoid ‘oversize’
truck transport which significantly increases cost. A transport module
similar to the footprint of a container can be applied (2.4 x6 or 2.4x12).
6058 mm

Although shipping containers are widely repurposed for pop-up buildings

such as cafes, they are not easily repurposed. Small prefabricated
buildings of a dimension similar to a container, and easily craned from
a truck, can provide the basis of a prefabricated library module.
A volume of approximately 2.4-2.5m wide (at various lengths)
can be used as an extruded module for longer elements.

2440mm
180 mm 1630 mm 360 mm 1720 mm 360 mm 1630 mm

369 mm 90 mm 112 mm

160 mm

300 mm
www.containerhome.info
REVISIONS

TYPE 1A 20 ' GP UNDERFLOOR

MM/DD/YY REMARKS
1
2
3
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
TECHNICAL DRAWING SERIES 2011 4
5

2270 mm
2440 mm

5 mm

5210 mm

6058 mm

TYPICAL SHIPPING CONTAINER MODULES

www.containerhome.info
REVISIONS
MM/DD/YY REMARKS

TYPE 1A 20 ' GP DIMENSIONS

1

www.containerhome.info
REVISIONS
2
3
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION MM/DD/YY REMARKS
TECHNICAL DRAWING SERIES 2011
TYPE 1A 20 ' GP ROOF
4 1
5 2
3
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
TECHNICAL DRAWING SERIES 2011 4

12 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape 5

 state library nsw
Prefabricated buildings which arrive as a ‘volume’ rather than ‘flat
pack’ offer the additional benefit of interior fitout prefabrication.
This means that the interior lining, wiring, plumbing and joinery
can be completed in part or in full prior to arrival on site

FITOUT ELEMENTS AND SMALL RURAL HOUSE BY ARCHIBLOX (LOCAL SUPPLIER) PREFABRICATED HOUSE DELIVERED AS ONE VOLUME FROM CRANE ON TRUCK (MAPA Architects BRAZIL)

francis-jones morehen thorp   transportable modules for prefabrication 13

5.0 Extruded volumetric buildings

Fixed Module Buildings, such as the European School Frankfurt,

can be created with a range of modules of equal dimensions. Some
offer an end or termination to a space, with enclosing wall, while
centre modules remain open to allow the flow of space.
The repetitive nature of these buildings, when designed well can
celebrate the modular construction method but can also look rigid.
An alternative prefabrication option is to accept a ‘wide load’
approach which allows greater variety in form and larger
dimensions. There is still the option to fit out much of the interior
prior to transport but transportation costs will be greater.

PREFABRICATED MODULES ARRIVE ON SITE

14 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

Prefabrication design is informed by the limitations of trasportation. In this The form and the dimension of modules can exceed typical shipping container modules
case, a hiking lodge in the European Alps is installed by helicopter. but will rely on wide load transportation which may be prohibitive in terms of cost.
The cladding of the buildings can contribute significantly to their
contextural fit, shading and intergration into landdcape.

SLOVENIAN MOUNTAIN LODGE by OFIS PREFABICATED BUILDINGS BY PREBUILT (LOCAL SUPPLIER)

francis-jones morehen thorp   extruded volumetric buildings 15

6.0 Larger scale prefabricated buildings

The Caulfield Grammar Learning Centre Installation illustrated below was

one of three prefabricated buildings designed by Hayball and fabricated by
Prebuilt.
Lightweight footings reduced in-ground scope and cost
Modules arrived in larger ‘wide load’ elements which required
a separate crane for installation. The larger dimensions offered
more flexibility in ceiliing height and provision of skylights.

EXTERNAL SCREENING OFFERS SHADING AS WELL AS VIEWS FROM INTERIORS

16 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

Construction time is greatly reduced by prefabrication.
Lightweight footings reduced in-ground scope and cost.
Modules arrived in larger ‘wide load’ elements which required
a separate crane for installation. The larger dimensions offered
more flexibility in ceiliing height and provision of skylights.

Manufactured in factory >>> Simple Footings >>> Truck Transport >>> Crane Installation>>>

Install on Footings >>> Modules come together >>> Cladding and Shading >>> Complete fitout >>>

francis-jones morehen thorp   larger scale prefabricated buildings 17

7.0 Prefabrication Option 1

The initial option developed for the prefabricated library study involves
a rigid steel frame module. These elements would arrive by oversize
vehicle transport and would require a separate crane. This option
integrates both smaller enclosed areas and the open space front of
house zone into one element. Fitout of fixed joinery, internal linings, wet
areas and plumbing could primarily be undertaken prior to transport.

Typical Module
2,400 or 4,800 x 12,000
Over 2500mm is considered an oversize load by RMS
up to 5000mm is allowable with oversize vehicle provisions

Galvanised steel rigid portal frame with 1200mm colourbond

sandwich panels walls and Stratco cooldek roofing panels. High-
ventilated louvres with aluminium operable sliding doors.
Grid Setout 2.4 x3.0m (7.2m2/grid)

TRUCK BED RESTRICTIONS OVERSIZE MODULE LARGER SPACES CREATED BY MULTIPLE MODULES

18 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 1 19
 Option 1 _ 1000sqm library

4.8x12m module

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

A
3,000

55.5 m2

B
3,000

C
3,000

D
3,000

E
3,000

F
3,000

G
3,000

H
56.8 m2
3,000

1000 2000 5000

GENERIC PLAN FOR A PREFABRICATED LIBRARY AT 1000SQM

20 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

4.8x12m module

AERIAL VIEW OFOPTION 1 1000SQM LIBRARY

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 1 21

 Option 1 _500sqm library

4.8x12m module

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

A
3,000

B
3,000

C
3,000

D
3,000

1000 2000 5000

GENERIC PLAN FOR A PREFABRICATED LIBRARY AT 500SQM

22 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

500sqm library

4.8x12m module

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 1 23

 Option 1 _ 250sqm library

4.8x12m module

4 5 6 7 8 9 9

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9

1 2,400 2 2,400 3 2,400 4 2,400 5 2,400 6 2,400 7 2,400 8 2,400 9 2,400 9

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

A
3,000

B
3,000

B
3,000

C
3,000

C
3,000

D
3,000

D
3,000

1000 2000 5000 E

3,000

24 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape E  state library nsw

1000 2000 5000

 Option 1 _ 190sqm library

4.8x12m module

4 5 6 7 8 9 9

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400 2,400

A
3,000

A
B
3,000
3,000

B
C
3,000
3,000

C
D
3,000
3,000

1000 2000 5000

D
E
3,000

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 1 25

E
8.0 Prefabrication Option 2

Demountable Module
A flatpack, demountable option was investigated to improve transportation
by truck. This option investigated creating modules using a kit of ‘flat’
parts which can be easily stacked on a truck. Roof, floor and wall
modules could be prefabricated off site and brought together on site.
The negative aspect of this option is greater construction time on site

26 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

 Technology

Versiclad Spacemaker roof

-Extremely economical high
spans and unit length
-Light weight
-Rapid Installtion
-Prefabricated offsite
-No Internal linings required

Versiclad SIP Wall System

-Lightweight and low
embodied energy
-Rapid installation
-Prefabricated offsite

Surefoot Footings
-No concrete
-No wait time
-Adjustable after installation
-Single Trade

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 2 27

9.0 Prefabrication Option 3

Combination ‘flatpack’ and volumetric prefabrication

The majority of libraries require a portion of enclosed space for meeting,
staff areas, wet areas and storage. The remainder of the space is primarily
open plan and subdivided into zones by joinery and loose furniture.
The enclosed volume spaces can be prefabricated as
rigid 3D modules with the open plan areas created by
flat pack modules stabilised by the 3D volume.

The extruded 3D volume can be easily loaded on a truck and fully fitted within. Detailing
the volume to read like a crafted ‘machine’ as below can add to the technology aesthetic

28 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

Floor and roof can be transported as flat pack planks with reticulation within The glazing system can reflect the module and can integrate both
ducts in the floor and ceiling joints for power, lighting and other services. fixed and operable elements, doors and shading if required.

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 3 29

 Option 3 _ 2.5 x 2.5m module
12
A module which allows for a 2.4m element plus space for jointing
1 The22.5m3module
and ducting was explored. 4 provided
5 a6square 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
grid for simple arrangements in both axes. The plans assume a 3D
2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,100 2,400
volume arrangement for enclosed meeting rooms, bathrooms and
staff areas with open space constructed from flat back elements.
These plans can also be used for spatial planning (scale 1:200) FRANCIS-JONES MOREHEN THORP PTY LTD 2017 ABN 28 101 197 219 NOMINATED ARCHITECT: RICHARD FRANCIS-JONES (REG NO 5301)
C

A
2,500

B
2,500

C
2,500

D
2,500

E
2,500

F 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
2,500

G 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2,500

A A
H 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
2,500

2,500
B A B
I
5,000
2,500

2,500

2,500
C B C
L
2,500

2,500

2,500
D C D
2,500

2,500

2,500
E 1000 msq Library Plan D E
2,500

2,500

2,500
1:200
F E F
2,500

2,500

2,500
G F G

90 msq Library Plan 250 msq Library Plan 190 msq Library Plan
:200 190sqm library 1:200 250 sqm library 0
1:200
2 5 10m

Library Concept 1000m2 1:200 @ A3 14/6/17

State Library NSW - Modular Libraries For Information SK-160922-05

30 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500

A 12
2,500

B
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
2,500

-JONES MOREHEN THORP PTY LTD 2017 ABN 28 101 197 219 NOMINATED ARCHITECT: RICHARD FRANCIS-JONES (REG NO 5301)
C 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,100 2,400
2,500

D
2,500

E A
2,500
2,500

F B 12
2,500

500 C
sqm library
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
2,500

D 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,100 2,400
2,500

rary Plan
E
2,500

A
F
2,500

2,500

B
G
2,500

2,500

C
H
2,500

D
I
5,000
2,500

E
L
0 2 5 10m
2,500

Library Concept 500m2 1:200 @ A3 14/6/17

F State Library NSW - Modular Libraries For Information SK-160922-05

2,500

G 1000 msq Library Plan

2,500

1:200
H
I
5,000

L
1000 sqm library
0 2 5 10m

Library Concept 1000m2 1:200 @ A3 14/6/17

State Library NSW - Modular Libraries For Information SK-160922-05
00 msq Library Plan
200

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 3 31

Option 3 _ further development

Further refinement of Option 3 explored an all encompassing

modular roof which avoids issues of internal drainage lines (box
gutters) and can potentially curve to form the enclosing wall of the
3D volumetric element. This allows the 3D volume to be an internal
form without the need for waterproofing. The modular, smooth
lines can reflect a contemporary approach to regional libraries.

32 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 3 33
Option 3 _ further development

Further refinement of Option 3 explored an all encompassing

modular roof which avoids issues of internal drainage lines (box
gutters) and can potentially curve to form the enclosing wall of the
3D volumetric element. This allows the 3D volume to be an internal
form without the need for waterproofing. The modular, smooth
lines can reflect a contemporary approach to regional libraries.

34 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

A fully enclosing roof / wall allows the volumetric box
to be constructed without waterproofing.

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 3 35

Option 3 _ further development

The 500sqm library is depicted in these renderings and sketches. The

intent is the creation of a carefully crafted object which sits in a variety
of landscaped and urban settings, acting as an identifiable ‘off the shelf’
product of design which offers internal flexibility and adaptability.

36 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape  state library nsw

francis-jones morehen thorp   prefabrication option 3 37