Springdale Library by RDHA incorporates photosensitive components in the glass facade

Architects from RDHA designed the Springdale Library in Brampton, Canada. The building comprises a steel structure and glass facade which incorporates photosensitive components to reduce the greenhouse effect caused by direct sunlight.
Located on an irregular, triangular-shaped plot with rounded summit, the sides feature eye-catching full-height loggias.
The building comprises a mirrored steel structure, including slim cylindrical pillars used to create airy loggias. Ceramic-based technical components have been concealed in the solar resistant facade most exposed to direct sunlight. These seemingly simple patterns in reality are solar-responsive components which expand with increasing sunlight to vary the opaqueness of the facade itself.
Design solutions adopted include rounded edges, made with heat-curved glass which softens the dynamic appearance and shape, making the entire building less imposing and more appealing.
Inside, the single storey building has spaces for adults and children and a large central comfortable, informal area, where you can read. The area is covered internally by a white dome, complemented by well-aligned circular lighting fixtures culminating in a skylight at the top which allows natural light to flood into the room, increasing the open, light and airy feeling. On the outside, however, it is covered by a green roof, the purpose of which is to create a striking contrast between the city’s verdant hillside and starker materials of the building.
The remaining plot is decorated with five-meter high letters spelling the word “IMAGINE”, and a small park which adds to and revitalizes the attractive look of the neighborhood.




Fabrizio Orsini




Official project name: Springdale Library
Location: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Client: City of Brampton
Date of Completion: Summer 2019
Area: 26,000 sf (2,418 sm)
Construction Budget: $16,670,000

Architecture and Interiors: RDH Architects Inc.
Team Members:
Design Principal: Tyler Sharp
Managing Principal: Bob Goyeche
Project Manager: Sanjoy Pal
Staff: Shelley Vanderwal, Carlos Tavares, Juan Caballero, Soo-Jin Rim, Gladys Cheung, Lisa Sato, Simon Routh, Anton Freundorfer
Photography Credit: Nic Lehoux