After an eight-year-long process of designing, developing and building, it is now finally possible to visit the Galinciema library in the city of Ventspils in Latvia. The poetic design by the studio Sarma Norde Architects involved the evocative construction of a tree trunk inside a glazed envelope made from small segments of wood making it necessary to resolve the problem of acoustic reverberation. No small feat considering the nature itself of the glazed structure, an open-planed layout with a circular route and no internal partitions. The choice of Fantoni sound-absorbent systems, combined with the professionalism of the partner SIA Progetto, was fundamental in achieving a successful result. 

The variable radii of curvature for each of the four sides of the building required a considerable design effort, focussed on the division of the space into three large areas, in each of which was used one of three types of milling of 4akustik Random in the Teak Biblos colour, a material by Fantoni that has extraordinarily flexible slats. Given the complexity of the structure and the amount of wood in the products, it was necessary to keep the humidity and temperature of the spaces under control during the months in which it was being installed so as to respond to the required technical parameters, the comfortable effects of which can now be fully enjoyed by visitors to the library.

Foto © Arjoms Vidzemnieks