Civic Architecture with Modern Cladding Systems

The Denmark Library’s 5th Branch is a 22,504 square foot civic project designed to meet the region’s growing demand for accessible public services while staying deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Located on a 9.5-acre former horse pasture, the design preserves a historic line of oak trees and works with the existing topography to maintain the site’s rural character and long-range hillside views.

Guided by community input, the building is carefully oriented east–west to maximize daylight and energy performance. A reflective roof system supports future solar integration, while shaded glazing strategies improve comfort and efficiency throughout the space. Albion General Contractors led construction, coordinating a high-performance material package focused on durability, sustainability, and long-term value.

TimberTown Atlanta supplied key exterior and interior cladding systems that help define the building’s modern yet natural aesthetic. Approximately 10,000 square feet of NewTechWood All Weather Siding in Hawaiian Charcoal was used across exterior vertical siding, trim, and interior ceilings, creating a seamless transition from outside to inside. Made from recycled materials, NewTechWood supports the project’s sustainability goals while delivering long-term durability, fade resistance, and low-maintenance performance.

An additional 6,000 square feet of James Hardie Artisan Shiplap was installed as a key component of the building envelope. Burn resistant and engineered for all climates, it resists moisture damage and is not susceptible to pests such as termites or woodpeckers. This makes it a durable, long-term solution for demanding civic applications.

Inside, the library is organized to support both activity and focus, with public spaces oriented toward active outdoor areas and quieter reading zones aligned along the wooded entry drive. Outside, the design extends into the landscape with a hillside amphitheater, a story walk, and dedicated outdoor reading areas that encourage direct engagement with nature.

Together, the material selection and site strategy support long-term sustainability, resilience, and performance. From recycled-content siding systems to fiber cement cladding built for durability, the project reflects a balanced approach to civic architecture that connects people, place, and material integrity.

Forsyth County (Alpharetta, GA)

Builder: Albion General Contractor + McMillian, Pazdan & Smith Architecture

Product: NewTechWood, Hawaiian Charcoal + James Hardie Artisan Shiplap