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THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY
BOTANICAL COMPLEX
SAN MARINO, CALIFORNIA
The newest addition at the Huntington Library, the Botanical Complex, was financed completely by private and foundation funds. This structure is a two-story, approximately 45,000 square-foot, concrete masonry block education and research center with one story at grade level and the other below grade level. This building features lecture studios, four laboratories, six classrooms, a private archival library for staff, a children’s book library, and stadium seating for 65 people.
The design intent for this project was to induce the feeling of being in a botanical garden setting rather than that of a functional educational or office facility, and to be able to do it in the style of the “grand estate,” which is The Huntington Library. To accomplish this using the most cost-effective method, white split-faced block masonry was used to give the building a clean, solid feeling. The concrete masonry block walls were built with conduits for future expansion of electrical and data systems. The concrete masonry block basement was extremely cost effective, because the block became both the structural and finish material.
Other rustic materials used were earth colored slate floors, open timber trusses and a green tile Mexican style roof. The building has a number of windows opening into the gardens and courtyards, which contribute to the open, airy effect and add natural light, along with the many skylights situated throughout the building.
ARCHITECT:
Offenhauser Associates, Inc.
3808
Riverside Drive, Suite 508
Toluca Lake, Burbank, CA 91505
Bob
Ray Offenhauser, AIA
Principal
Jim
Fry, AIA
Principal
CLIENT/OWNER:
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
