Located at a historic trolley station site overlooking Chesapeake Bay, the new Mary Pretlow Anchor Branch Library in Virginia Beach, VA provides an iconic look for visitors and residents arriving at the bayfront.

The roof of the structure features a wide array of slopes, levels and intricate details that create an impressive visual display. A cupola tops off the building to add to the coastal feel.

Approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of PAC-CLAD .040” aluminum Silver Metallic Snap-Clad panels by Petersen Aluminum provided the flexibility to meet demanding design objectives. In addition to stunning aesthetics, the panels are rated to meet local windload requirements. The Kynar 500 finish over the aluminum substrate also provides superior resistance to the elements in the coastal environment.

Design for the project was provided by The Design Collaborative, Virginia Beach. “We had decided from the outset that the roof would be standing seam aluminum because of the salt air,” according to Ed Lazaron, principal and project architect. “The building is on a spectacular site overlooking the shipping channel into the Bay. The City Council wanted a ‘beach style’ look with a large, sheltering roof that would be compatible with the older houses along the beachfront.”

The design also called for an internal gutter system. “It was a challenge because the overhangs were so large,” Lazaron said. “We created a complex internal piping system that could be hidden in the roof structure. The roof really provides the signature look that we wanted and the reaction from the community has been outstanding.”

Installation of the PAC-CLAD roof was done by Westar Roofing Corp., Virginia Beach. The general contractor was Sun Bay Contracting Inc., Virginia Beach.