A recent renovation of the Kingston (Ontario) Frontenac Public Library Central Branch greatly boosted energy and water efficiency while making the facility healthier and safer. Designed by HDR, the project cut the library’s energy use intensity to 55% of the national benchmark for a library building. It scored 24 of 25 points for optimized energy performance to achieve LEED ID+C v4 Gold Certification.
The complete interior renovation added new mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems. The design preserved the historic structure’s stone and brick exterior, while maximizing daylight. The interior now has a more flexible and adaptable layout and was outfitted with locally available finishes that have a low-carbon footprint.
Low book stacks and interior glazed partitions allow all public spaces on the ground level and the second floor to be filled with natural or borrowed light. Upgraded building systems with new technology and the consolidation of core services allow for extended hours for community use and improved sightlines minimize security concerns.
Situated within the Historic Sydenham Conservation District, the library is considered culturally significant. “Being open to the city, engaging and interactive from the street and within was essential for the library to regain its position as a vital part of the civic experience,” said Susan Croswell, HDR Kingston office principal. “The healthy building impacts with additional light in all public spaces are huge improvements. I think in the end, we were very successful in providing a positive impact to the streetscape as well as to library users. The transformation has provided a building that is more visible and open that can positively change lives by transforming information into inspiration.”
“We’re very proud to further the city’s climate action goals with this renovation,” said Laura Carter, chief librarian and CEO, Kingston Frontenac Public Library. “KFPL is thrilled to have a bright, accessible and sustainable space at the heart of our library system.”
On the building team:
Owner and/or developer: City of Kingston / Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL)
Design architect: HDR
Architect of record: HDR
MEP engineer: WSP
Structural engineer: Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd.
General contractor: Everstrong Construction Ltd.
Related Stories
Libraries | Jan 12, 2023
An adjacent community center enhances South Bend’s library
This $40 million renovation and addition are part of a larger urban revitalization scheme.
Libraries | Oct 25, 2022
Stanford’s renovated library wing syncs with the region’s tech industry
Collaborative space replaces stacks.
Giants 400 | Aug 22, 2022
Top 90 Construction Management Firms for 2022
CBRE, Alfa Tech, Jacobs, and Hill International head the rankings of the nation's largest construction management (as agent) and program/project management firms for nonresidential and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Aug 19, 2022
2022 Giants 400 Report: Tracking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
Now 46 years running, Building Design+Construction's 2022 Giants 400 Report rankings the largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. This year a record 519 AEC firms participated in BD+C's Giants 400 report. The final report includes more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 5, 2022
A time and a place: Telling American stories through architecture
As the United States enters the year 2026, it will commence celebrating a cycle of Sestercentennials, or 250th anniversaries, of historic and cultural events across the land.
Libraries | Jul 20, 2022
Canada to open one of the world’s largest library and archive facilities
When it opens in 2026, Ādisōke is expected to be one of the largest library and archive facilities in the world.
Libraries | Jul 5, 2022
Libraries, despite digital disruption, remain community assets
Washington D.C. is executing a master plan to build local facilities that can adapt to changing technologies.
Libraries | Jun 8, 2022
Welcome to the hybrid library
Libraries have grown to become the intellectual and social hubs of campus, where, prior to March 2020, students, researchers, and faculty gathered to collaborate and connect.
K-12 Schools | Mar 8, 2022
Design delivers new media messages for schools
Media centers are no longer physically confined to one room.
University Buildings | Feb 18, 2022
On-campus performing arts centers and museums can be talent magnets for universities
Cultural facilities are changing the way prospective students and parents view higher education campuses.