Hopatcong, New Jersey
Area: 7,800 sq. ft.

Sussex County’s first library http://www.sussexcountylibrary.org was a book mobile purchased in 1942.  Since that time the library system has expanded to six locations scattered throughout the County.  HQW Architects was commissioned to design one of the branch locations on a steeply sloped site which provided a fantastic opportunity to explore the relationship between architecture and the natural environment.

HQW designed the Louis Childs Branch of the Sussex County Library as one of the first environmentally responsive buildings in the County.  The building was partially constructed into the side of a hill to minimize heat loss in the winter and maximize cooling in the summer.  There is also an extensive system of clerestory windows that bring natural light into the interior of the building.  This not only creates a healthy environment in which to read, but also reduces energy costs by maximizing daylight and taking advantage of passive solar heating.