Wright & Wright’s Lambeth Palace Library Consolidates Europe’s Second Most Renowned Archive

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© Wright & Wright Architects Planning approval has been granted for the design of the first new building at Lambeth Palace in London for approximately 200 years – a new library and archive designed by Wright & Wright Architects. The building is intended to protect the priceless Lambeth Palace Library collection, second only to that of the Vatican and established in 1610 by Archbishop Bancroft, from any potential flooding and consolidate the wealth of rare artifacts and knowledge into a cohesive “portal of knowledge.” “Wright & Wright and the whole team have responded to the exacting and challenging brief to achieve an outcome which will protect and preserve the collection; allow us to make them more accessible than ever before; be as environmentally friendly as possible; while creating a beautiful building which will be wonderful to work in and visit," said Declan Kelley, Director of Libraries and Archives the Church of England.

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Considering the sensitivity of the Grade 1 Listed building and the borough’s historicity, the proposed nine-storey tower forms an “occupied wall”, serving as a filter between the garden and the main thoroughfare of Lambeth Palace Road and enlivening the existing buildings. With a double-height reception and display hall that engages the public with the collection, the new library integrates into its context as an inviting cultural institution.

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With items dating back to the 9^th century, the Lambeth Palace Library & Archive holds a globally renowned collection, including a rare 1450s vellum Gutenberg Bible, as well as the only surviving copy of Elizabeth I’s warrant for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587. Maintaining this sense of tradition throughout the building’s design, the materiality incorporates hand-made brick and stone, referencing the original construction onsite and highlighting the Upper Room and Entrance Hall through its varied tones.

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Situated between the two archive wings for seminars and meetings, the Upper Room overlooks the Palaces of Lambeth and Westminster, while providing a panoramic view from the south bank of the River Thames, “reinforcing the longstanding relationship between Church and State, which epitomises much of the collection.” In addition to this, the tower includes a conservation room, seminar and teaching rooms, a ground floor Reading Room and offices overlooking the garden.

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Efforts have also been made by Wright & Wright to ensure the building is passively controlled and sustainably operated, by reducing energy loads while still ensuring the proper preservation of rare and fragile books and documents. Construction of the new library and archive is set for competition by 2020. For more on the project, see here. News via: Wright & Wright Architects.

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