ZINC AND MCM RAINSCREEN PANELS CREATE A NAUTICAL THEME FOR A REBUILT PORT TOWN LIBRARY IN MARYLAND

Embracing the historical roots entrenched in the port city of Bladensburg, Md., for the expanded Bladensburg Library, Gant Brunnett Architects selected metal to sculpt a striking façade design resembling the form of traditional sailing ships.

Custom-fabricated zinc flatlock panels in diamond shapes, standing-seam zinc panels and a metal composite material rainscreen system harmoniously blend with the building’s curtainwall and masonry to beacon visitors to the newly expanded library.

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., the facility has essentially tripled in size, from 7,300 square feet to 22,834 square feet, rebuilding the original century-old 1925 structure and becoming the first building in Prince George's County to achieve LEED Silver certification. The original building formerly served as Bladensburg Elementary School and the Board of Education Media Center.