Berkeley Public Library, South Branch

The new Berkeley Public Library's South Branch is a modern, high-efficiency structure that replaced the original 1961, much-remodeled building. Expanding the library's usable space by 3,300 square feet, it  provides a large central atrium with clerestory windows, a new community room, a new children's room, and a new facility for the much-loved Tool Lending Library.

The one-story structure is wood framed with I-joist roof framing supported on glulam beams. The primary lateral system comprises wood shear walls. The atrium is laterally supported by tube-steel moment frames and is tied to the lower wood-framed roofs. The foundation system is a 12-inch-thick mat slab. The structural slab has a thermally isolated topping slab containing radiant heating tubes.

Executed as Tipping Mar