Lodge-like library planned in Los Angeles County

With the use of wood, stone, and Crafstman-style architecture, Los Angeles County’s newest library will look more like a tranquil mountain lodge than a community resource center. Designed by Irvine, Calif.-based gkkworks, the $12.6-million structure will provide the unincorporated community of Topanga with more than 11,000 sf of much-needed library and community space. The single-story structure will open in fall 2009 with a collection of 42,000 books and public-access computers and will include civic art, murals, a group study room, homework center, large reading area for adults, teen center, children’s area, community meeting room, and express-service check-out machines.

Built on a sloping site, the facility will include a garage below the building with parking spaces for 48 cars. Other members of the Building Team include general contractor FEI Enterprises Inc., Los Angeles; structural engineer Saiful/Bouquet, Pasadena, Calif.; and MEP engineer TMAD Taylor & Gaines, Pasadena.