The existing facility, built in the early 90’s was designed to reflect the low country residential area it serves, which became the model for the extensive renovation and expansion of the Surfside Library. The existing function was totally re-structured, modifying existing stack spaces into a large public meeting room, children’s story time room and expansion to administration spaces. The entry point of the building was reversed to allow access from relocated and expanded parking areas.

The exterior appeal of the existing facade was celebrated by making a focal wall maintaining much of the exterior skin. The previous entry to the library became the entry point to the Children’s Suite. Other interior architectural elements reflect the exterior finishes, further uniting the existing with the new. 

The exterior design maintained the sweeping overhangs and rustic finishes of the existing while upgrading with a standing seam metal roof, sun screening shutters and aluminum clad windows.

In order to maintain the scale of the overall facility, the massing of the new expansive addition was proportionately scaled with a low slope roof and standing seam metal mansard.

Utilizing a Cohesive design, allowed the original small town library feel, to be maintained. This library expansion provides the county and town of Surfside a more prominent statement for the community.