Duvall Library
Located in Duvall’s historic Old Town, the Duvall Library was designed to honor the scale, character, and craftsmanship of Main Street while advancing King County Library System’s sustainability goals. Rustic in material but forward-thinking in performance, the library bridges the city’s past and future, creating a gathering place that is both familiar and transformative.
A ground-source heat pump, LED lighting, and daylight sensors reduced energy use by 40 percent compared to similar facilities. A green roof of hardy sedums filters and slows stormwater runoff, underscoring the library’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Details
LOCATION Duvall WA
SIZE 8,000 SF
COMPLETED 2012
PHOTOGRAPHY Daniel Sheehan
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Silver
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
2015 AIA WA Council Merit Award
2015 LEED Silver Certified
“The citizens of Duvall were deeply engaged in the design of this library. Their fear was that a new character would interrupt the small town feel of the commercial center. JA balanced a rural aesthetic with modern library programming to create a new heart for the center of town that has become a beloved destination for citizens of all ages.”
The design complements Duvall’s historic Main Street with a warm, rustic-inspired exterior of recycled barn wood, weathered steel, and glass. The result is a library that feels rooted in place while embracing modern design values.
The children’s area features circular reading alcoves that invite curiosity and comfort. These spaces are often filled with young readers curled up with their favorite books.
Marrying environmental innovation with local craft, the Duvall Library embodies the dual character of its community: rural yet urban, warm yet refined, authentic yet contemporary.
Large awnings and suspended ceilings manage sunlight and heat, while recycled, low-VOC materials ensure a healthy indoor environment. The perforated plywood ceiling softens sound, creating a space that feels calm yet lively.