King County Library System

Woodmond Library

SB&A was part of the design team that was awarded the planning and design of the Woodmont Library in the City of Des Moines. This 7,000 square foot library was planned to serve the surrounding area and to act as a drop off and pick up location for patrons. Parking, separation from a busy arterial street, and storm water drainage were key elements for the planning of the site.
SB&A faced the dilemma of having bioswales located along the visible sides of the site, opposite of the building. The solution was to create a stream-like depression for the swales and to heavily plant the slopes with many varieties of ornamental grasses. Through all months of the year, this display will draw attention away from the swale and to the plantings that frame the building. Storm water from the building roof is directed into several gravel and stone filled rills that carry runoff into the bioswales. Besides addressing the need for storm water collection, the rills provide interest in the landscape and create an art-like image moving through the site.