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Williams College bookstore is a LEED Platinum space for more than just books

University Buildings

Williams College bookstore is a LEED Platinum space for more than just books

CambridgeSeven designed the campus bookstore.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | May 3, 2018
Williams College bookstore exterior at night

Courtesy Williams College

The new Williams College campus bookstore includes everything youā€™d expect in a college bookstore plus a coffee shop, a dedicated area that can be sanctioned off for events and special talks, indoor/outdoor leisure spaces for the community, and a sustainable design that earned LEED Platinum designation.

The CambridgeSeven-designed building used local materials such as granite and bricks for the buildingā€™s exterior. A glazing to wall ratio of 24%, insulated glass with integral wood louvers, and an exterior brise soleil for enhanced thermal protection help the building achieve an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) rating of 39. The thicker than average, tightly sealed, insulated walls also help the bookstore achieve the EUI that is 41% better than baseline.

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Williams College bookstore exteriorCourtesy Williams College.

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A stormwater management system helps keep stormwater runoff equal to the pre-development levels. This system includes a rain garden, deep sump catch basins, and underground detention to capture stormwater from roofs and new paving before it runs off the site.

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See Also:Ā Best in library design 2018: Six projects earn AIA/ALA library awards

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The building does not use any gas, only electricity. As such, the PV array on the roof was designed to form a dynamic part of the buildingā€™s presence on Spring Street.

Other features include birch plywood ceilings and fabric paneled hidden doors to section off the cafĆ© space for programming. In addition to the building design, CambridgeSeven also designed the buildingā€™s furniture and finishes.

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Williams College bookstore cafeCourtesy Williams College.

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Williams College bookstore interiorCourtesy Williams College.

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Williams College bookstore staircaseCourtesy Williams College.

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Williams College bookstore upper levelCourtesy Williams College.

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Williams College bookstore book stacksCourtesy Williams College.

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Williams College bookstore outdoor terraceCourtesy Williams College.

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