Ann Arbor District Library – Traverwood Branch
Ann Arbor, Michigan
2005 - 2006
Design Architect: inFORM Studio
Structural Engineer:
Nathaniel M. Stanton SE - Structural Engineer for the Ann Arbor District Library - Traverwood Branch while working at Robert Darvas Associates.
Design:
The design of the Ann Arbor District Library - Traverwood Branch was an exploration in wood both structurally and architecturally. The proposed location for the building was a heavily wooded area where environmental sensitivity was a primary design driver. The site was populated primarily with Ash trees which were being eradicated by the spread of the Emerald Ash Bore. The Ash Bore burrows underneath the bark and ultimately starves the tree by cutting off the supply of nutrients to its branches. The decision was made early on to fell all of the Ash trees on the site and kiln dry them on site for use in the building. Once the bark is stripped away, the salvaged wood exhibits the tracery of the Ash Bore's path. The wood was milled on site after drying and was used as columns and lateral bracing as a part of the building's structure. In addition, the wood was incorporated into the flooring, the wall panels and portions of the ceiling finish.
