We tend to spend a lot of time at the WT branch since its closer to us. The Kensington branch has lots of good stuff happening too but unfortunately we're not in the loop so don't post as much on that branch. Regardless, a local just forwarded us some very exciting news on the updating of the Kensington branch! The sustainable design collaborative is giving the branch an update! Here's the info from the SDC:
The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) design goal for the Kensington Branch is that it be a "state-of-the-art" facility that maximizes thermal and visual comfort, convenience, and the well-being of staff and library goers while functioning in part as an environmental educational center. As such its construction materials and mechanical systems should promote good air quality indoors and outdoors through reduced or eliminated emissions. DDC also requested that environmentally preferable materials be selected that have recycled content and are themselves recyclable.
William Bobenhausen, FAIA, directed all environmental design aspects of the project. Services began even prior to the selection of a project architect with the establishment of energy and environmental performance goals for the project. Energy performance goals include: Energy consumption (measured in BTUs per square foot per year) a minimum of 30% lower than for a building designed to conventional current practice.
Annual operating cost to be a minimum of 40% lower than for a building designed to conventional current practice.
The major theme of the building is to utilize natural light. A reduction of lighting energy use by 50% is projected through a combination of switching, circuiting and automatic controls.
Sen Architects is the designer with A.G. Consulting Engineering serving as the project engineer. A standing column type geothermal heat pump system will satisfy the relatively small heating and cooling loads of the building.
Engineering assistance was provided by Steven Winter Associates through NYSERDA's FlexTech Program.
