Capitol Hill Library
Seattle, Washington

Swenson Say Fagét provided structural engineering services for the new 19,000 sf Capitol Hill Library. The structural system is a steel frame and the lateral system is a concentrically braced frame and steel moment frames. The main room of the library has a vaulted ceiling formed by the triangle. The triangular roof is supported by a series of steel king post trusses which are, in turn, supported by steel queen post trusses. The queen post trusses are supported by cruciform shaped columns. The trusses and the columns are custom shapes and built up from channels and plates. SSF also designed the exterior support walls systems of wire mesh structure that will eventually be covered with plant materials providing a living “face” to the building. Other sustainable features include: design of a green roof the reuse of the existing foundation, recycled steel for superstructure and a rainwater detention system. In addition, the project includes a 7,500 sf parking facility.

Project Category
New Public

Architect
Johnston Architects and Cutler Anderson Architects

Year
2003