Una Marson Library - Aylesbury Estate
Installer: Topfix Interiors
Product: Gustafs Linear Ribs
Photography: Liam Hammond
Completed in 2022 and opened to the public in early 2024, the Una Marson library is a brand-new, purpose-built community facility and part of Plot 18 of the major renovation scheme at the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark, London.
The library name was chosen by local residents and honours one of Southwark’s great Black activists, feminists, and broadcasters. She was known for her work within the literary field as a poet and playwright well as being the first Black woman to work for the BBC during WWII, championing African and Caribbean voices in each of her associated fields.
The major regeneration project at the Aylesbury estate is taking place over the space of multiple decades. Building thousands of new modern and energy efficient homes for existing and new residents as well as improving available facilities for the community including a new Health Centre and Early Years facility as well as the new library.
The Una Marson library joins 11 other libraries run by Southwark Council including Canada Water Library with a signature curved staircase of linear ribs supplied by LSA back in 2011. The new library is a huge milestone in the Aylesbury development, housing valuable resources for the community and marking the start of the new services being provided by the regeneration.
In addition to core library services including book, newspaper, and DVD rentals; the library also has a large dedicated children’s reading area which plays host to reading, singing and crafting activity sessions for under 5s. The facility also has provision for bookable spaces for meetings as well as study spaces and a multi-use event space, supported by well-considered extended hours access for users.
Gustafs Linear Ribs were specified to achieve the dynamic ceiling designed by the architects at HTA. The early designs detailed a natural timber linear ceiling mounted in the now iconic articulated diamond pattern ceiling. Gustafs ribs were a clear choice to achieve this with their versatile mounting system suitable for application to both the walls and ceilings in the space.
As well as being able to match the design intent visually, Gustafs Linear Ribs are a high-performance option for interior spaces. The complete ceiling system achieves Euroclass B,s1-d0 for resistance to fire, meaning the entire suspended ceiling is self-protecting in the event of a fire; something which is unique within the timber finishes market.
The rib system was also specified and installed with 38mm gaps and 50% open area between the ribs for the added benefit of Class A acoustic performance for noise control to support the classic peaceful library atmosphere.
LSA Projects and Gustafs are both accredited for sales of FSC© certified material and are proud to say the ribs for this project were supplied with FSC certification for sustainable timber sourcing.
Bespoke joinery edging details were designed in collaboration with LSA and HTA to trim exposed rib ends between ceiling bays as well as to the perimeters of the ceiling rafts with solid Oak pieces. This was executed perfectly by the installing team and gives a cohesive and refined finish to the entire ceiling.
Gustafs
LSA have worked closely with Gustafs of Scandinavia for almost 20 years, supplying their globally renowned Gustafs Panel System and Linear Systems to hundreds of projects across the UK and Ireland on an exclusive basis.
Gustafs Linear Systems
Gustafs Linear System is comprised of 3 design and performance lead linear wall and ceiling products. Gustafs Linear Ribs, Gustafs Linear Planks and Gustafs Linear Modules.
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