Designed to mimic its surroundings, the design-build Manhattan Beach Library features roof lines, window systems and millwork that mirror the character of Manhattan Beach. The 22,000-sq-ft facility boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls that are not only energy efficient but also offer dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

To meet stringent LEED Gold standards, C.W. Driver and the project team created an efficient glass curtain wall system that allowed exhaust air to flow between the inner and outer wall to minimize heat build-up within the cavity. To do this, crews pretensioned the structural steel prior to setting the curtain wall to accommodate the weight of the glass. This was done to avoid any cracking of the glass due to steel movement during installation.

Once the glass curtain wall was complete, it had the appearance of a continuous wall of glass, providing unobstructed ocean views.

The project’s location in a busy downtown area required the contractor to work closely with city government and local businesses to keep work as minimally disruptive as possible. Throughout construction, the main project crane was located on a remote corner of the city’s loading dock and the jobsite offices were located in a parking lot across the street.

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - MANHATTAN BEACH LIBRARY

Manhattan Beach

KEY PLAYERS
OWNER Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Works
LEAD DESIGN FIRM, CIVIL ENGINEER AND MEP ENGINEER Harley Ellis Devereaux
CONTRACTOR C.W. Driver
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Saiful Bouquet