Eco Factor: Sustainable public library building explores use of sustainable elements.
iKon.5 Architects have created a new public library in New Castle County, Delaware, which has been especially designed to explore the use of several sustainable elements, while providing the community a comfortable and green place to read. Christened the Kirkwood Public Library, the development is set along a commercial shopping strip highway and has been designed as a roadside billboard announcing the public civic function of reading, learning and exploration.
The library appears as a collection of books set on the highway for the community to use. The highway-facing façade of the building features stacked horizontal cement board siding, making it appear as a series of boxes that represent the edge of books piled on their side. The western end of the side is a glazed two-story reading room that is covered in a cedar solar screen.
The solar screen permits desirable views and allows natural light to filter through but controls heat gain. The glazed south and west ends of the reading room help keep the lights off during the day. The custom solar shade on both the sides shields heat gain, thereby reducing the load on the air-conditioning system.
The architects have also included low water use toilets, urinals and lavatory faucets that reduce water consumption. The interior and the exterior of the building are composed of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials. Moreover, a storm water retention system has also been included to prevent runoff.
Via: Architizer
