Images courtesy of Brad Nicol Photography
SERVICES
Acoustics
Lighting Design
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Technology
SIZE
30,000 SF
CLIENT
HDR Architecture, Inc.
LAKEWOOD, CO
RTM provided MEP, acoustics, specialty lighting design, and technology services for this approximately 30,000-square-foot library in Lakewood, Colorado.
The Belmar Library prioritizes inclusivity, lifelong learning, and sustainability while fostering community engagement. Its recent renovation reorganized the library’s layout, transforming the main service desk into a central hub, allowing patrons easy access to a wide range of library services. Dedicated spaces for quiet study, collaboration, and youth programs provide areas for all types of library activities. The newly redesigned entrance plaza is inspired by the Dutch “woonerf” or “living street” concept, enhancing pedestrian safety and aesthetic appeal. This renovation reflects the library’s commitment to a community-focused and eco-friendly environment.
Inside, the library’s entry lobby was designed with versatility in mind, serving multiple functions—from illuminated kiosks to rotating community art displays and book showcases. Linear direct/indirect pendant lighting was strategically installed in the main stack areas to complement the acoustical ceiling baffles, creating an open, well-lit environment that is both cost-effective and visually appealing. In the Children’s Zone, playful lighting elements, including varying sizes of round recessed and pendant-mounted light fixtures, contribute to a dynamic atmosphere. Outside, clerestory windows cast a warm glow over the building at night, with concealed tapelight details illuminating the space and enhancing the library’s welcoming ambiance.