Library, Kaltern / Caldaro

The reconstruction of the Kaltern library – a stand-alone building – enters into a semantic dialog with its surroundings. The access is prominently designed from two sides and represents an interesting meeting place. The design of the outer envelope and the white-tiled façade in combination with the large glass surfaces guarantee that this structure attracts a lot of attention in the village. The bearing structure with its slanted components and the projections were very challenging for the structural engineering. Because of the sizable spans, in part steel girder joists and steel-reinforced concrete ceilings were installed using integrated shear studs. The proximity to the neighboring buildings made it necessary to employ nail walls for the excavation pit. The technical installations guaranteed, in a simple and efficient manner, the high degree of comfort in the library rooms.