This new 40,000 sf facility in the Afton Ridge area of Kannapolis, North Carolina marries a branch library with an active living center – creating a new model for building rich, diverse community in this growing neighborhood. Nestled on the fringe of a retail development, this facility is a destination for residents of all ages seeking to immerse themselves in a good book, get some exercise, participate in a dance class, or even a friendly game of pool, shuffleboard, or bocce.
The new facility offers 3 large multi-purpose rooms that link the library and active living center via an open social spine and daylight filled main lobby. These areas, differentiated from the main mass by a rotation in plan and large expanses of glass, represent the blurred lines of the age groups the facility serves while also providing a welcome connection to the outdoors. The rainscreen façade consists of vertically oriented panels of differing sheen that animate the building as the sun moves or the view angle changes making the building itself as active as its visitors.
*In association with HBM Architects
This center is more than just a space. It’s a place where access, fun and learning go hand in hand. There’s truly something for everyone.
