Berkeley, Calif.’s new West Branch Library was recently certified as a Net Zero Energy (NZE) Building under the Living Building Challenge certification program (v3.0) of the International Living Future Institute. The certification makes the library the first ZNE public library in California.
Designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux, with Tipping Mar as structural engineer and West Bay Builders as general contractor, the 9,400-sf facility uses mixed-mode natural ventilation, radiant floor heating and cooling, rooftop solar, and extensive daylighting (90% of spaces) to generate more energy than it uses annually (-7,144 kWh).
The West Branch Library also features:
- Dense urban site
- FSC Certified wood – 97%
- On site renewable energy
- On site stormwater treatment
Other Building Team members: GreenWorks Studio (sustainability consultant), Moran Engineering (civil engineer), John Northmore Roberts and Associates (landscape architect), and Cumming Corp. (cost estimator).
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Dec 21, 2015
Seven finalists named in Barack Obama Presidential Center design search
ShoP Architects, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, and Adjaye Associates are among the remaining firms that will propose designs for the $500 million archive, library, and museum.
Museums | Dec 3, 2015
SANAA’s design selected for Hungary’s new National Gallery and Ludwig Museum
After months of deliberation, the Japanese firm ultimately won the tie with Snøhetta.
Museums | Nov 23, 2015
Daniel Libeskind unveils design for new Lithuanian modern art museum
Located in the national capital of Vilnius, the Modern Art Center will be home to 4,000 works of Lithuanian art.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 23, 2015
BIG plans for Pittsburgh: Bjarke Ingels’ Lower Hill District master plan evokes hilly topography
Paths will be carved to create a dialogue between Pittsburgh’s urbanscape and its hilly surroundings.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 17, 2015
MVRDV to turn outdated Taiwanese mall into urban lagoon
The firm's winning design honors Tainan’s natural landscape and historic role as a marine and fishing industry hotspot.
Museums | Nov 11, 2015
MVRDV designs a ‘disco ball’ for Rotterdam
Called the Collectiegebouw (Dutch for "collection building"), the building will make public the city’s extensive art collection, and give visitors a look at how museums work backstage, according to Fast Company.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 28, 2015
New York City’s underground 'Lowline' green space enters the testing phase
If realized, The Lowline would provide 1.5 acres of green space for the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 27, 2015
The 'new' Gaillard Center gets a standing ovation for its exterior cladding
The “new construction” surrounds three sides of the original building, offering both a classic public structure and exquisite outdoor spaces.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 9, 2015
Sanaa-designed cultural center opens at Connecticut’s Grace Farms
The 83,000-sf The River is five pavillions with space for a sanctuary, library, and gym.
Museums | Sep 29, 2015
Designs unveiled for Warsaw Art Museum and Theatre
Emphasizing the building’s role in the public sphere, the museum will be accessible from all sides.