Berkeley's new West Branch Library, designed by Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED), has won an American Institute of Architects’ Top Ten Project Award. The Committee on the Environment singled out the library for advanced sustainable design techniques.
To fit with the City of Berkeley’s 2009 Climate Action Plan, HED designed a zero net energy facility for the city’s West Branch Library. Some innovations include a wind chimney that draws in air to ventilate the building, says HED project designer Michael Bulander.
The building produces energy on-site with solar panels on the roof. Radiant heating and cooling ensure the library remains comfortable without traditional HVAC, added Bulander.
The West Branch Library was the first California public library to be certified in the Living Building Challenge. It was certified LEED platinum.
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