Responding to the community’s desire for a gathering space, and seizing the potential of the site, the new Hennepin County Library Maple Grove is designed as a pavilion in a park, connecting residents to information, the outdoors, and the larger community. A seamless building and landscape design fully integrates the library and park, while a lake provides renewable, hydrothermal energy for the building.
photography by © Lara Swimmer
In the past ten years, Maple Grove has grown to become one of Minnesota’s largest suburbs. The area has evolved from a natural oak savanna and agricultural fields to gravel mines serving the state highway system. This ever-changing landscape of human development resulted in barren land and artificial lakes (leftover from mining activity) as the future site for the library.
photography by © Lara Swimmer
The design team’s goal was to create a community living space, shaped by knowledge and technology. The design integrates outdoor views and spaces, such as a reading porch, which creates a strong inside-outside relationship and extends the experience beyond the walls of the library.
photography by © Lara Swimmer
Energy conservation was a driving force in the design. The building was shaped to maximize daylight. An estimated 22.8% energy savings comes from daylight harvesting and another 24% from renewable energy sources. Designed to exceed the Minnesota energy code by more than 40%, the library provides an annual energy savings of more than 1,329,100 kWh. The building was designed in accordance with the Buildings, Benchmarks, and Beyond: State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines.
photography by © Lara Swimmer
Project Info:
Architects: MSR Design
Project Location: 13801-14027 Hwy 10, Maple Grove, MN 55311, United States
Project Year: 2010
Project Area: 40000.0 sqm
Photographs: Lara Swimmer Photography
Structural, Civil Engineers: BKBM Engineers
Landscape Architect: Damon Farber Associates
General Contractor: Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Mechanical, Electrical Engineers: Karges-Faulconbridge, Inc.
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.