Safe Haven Library

Market Suggested Retail Price

$3,278.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

TYIN tegnestue Architects are the ones who designed and built this product, who have retired in 2019 and started a new studio.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The Safe Haven Library was built by students and instructors from NTNU in two weeks with local materials and labor. The building process was a result of a workshop held by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) and TYIN tegnestue Architects in 2009.

The library is built on top of a concrete base foundation that is cast on a bed of large rocks available on-site. Ironwood is used for the building's solid frame construction and flooring. The wood structure is assembled alongside a concrete block backwall that is plastered to keep the building cool.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

TYIN tegnestue Architects designed the project specifically for the orphanage. The construction process is a result of a workshop developed by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in partnership with TYIN,  in the year of 2009. The workshop was sponsored by Norsk Betongforening, Bygg Uten Grenser, Minera Norge, Spenncon and NTNU.

Distributions to Date Status

One unique building design

Design Specifications

Safe Haven Library is a one storey building with a mezzanine measuring 128 m² in total. It has a concrete base over a bed of large rocks. The wall is made of plastered concrete blocks which help cool the building during the day. The construction presents open bamboo facades providing natural ventilation throughout the structure. Ironwood for flooring is comfortable for the children. The bookshelves run the full length of the concrete wall and there is no furniture inside the building, making it suitable for different activities.

The building provides a space for the Safe Haven children to study, use the computer, and read. It also serves as a communal gathering space for the orphanage.

Technical Support

The building can be maintained by local labor with conventional construction experience.

Replacement Components

All the components including roofing, structure and flooring can be replaced using local materials.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The building was designed to provide natural lighting and ventilation to keep the library cool during the day. Additionally, the building is intended to fulfill the educational needs of the orphanage, providing its members with a place to study and gather.

As a workshop project, the designer intended the construction of the library to give hands-on building experience for the NTNU's architect students.

Vetted Performance Status

No testing by third-party organization has been completed.

Safety

Builders should wear appropriate protective equipment such as hardhats, gloves and safety glasses while working to protect against physical injury commonly associated with heavy construction.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

As a building for gathering, the library complies with the Building Control Act. B.E. 2522.

Other Information

TYIN tegnestue Architects designed and built a bathhouse for the orphanage simultaneously.