As we compiled MH+D’s April feature “The Literary Life,” we discovered more home libraries than we knew what to do with. Here, then, is just one more of the many libraries we couldn’t fit into our print edition.

Architects: Elliott Elliott Norelius Architecture

Location: Sedgwick Residence

When architect Bruce Norelius began designing this maple library, he was pleasantly surprised to receive very specific direction from the homeowner: a measurement of his collection of literary and nautical books that was exact to the lineal inch. “I love the opportunity to design a wall of books with no voids,” says Norelius. “It becomes a composition in and of itself.” He notes that bookcases with fixed, non-adjustable shelves allow these compositions to be more controlled.

The thick band of maple in the upper third of the soaring bookcases (top photo) was designed not only for visual appeal, but also to accommodate the addition of a sliding ladder at a later date. By not filling in the space above the library door, Norelius emphasized the band while simultaneously introducing a visual break from the density of book spines.

Joshua Bodwell, Associate Editor

Photography by Francois Gagne