More about “green” features …
October 27, 2009 at 12:25 am 2 comments
The new building is closer to being ready to open by the day. While we wait, I’ll keep you entertained with more information about the library’s sustainable features.
Below is a picture of the “green roof” portion of the new branch, planted with sedums because they are drought tolerant and require minimal maintenance. This roof helps moderate the temperature within the building, reduces stormwater discharge and provides an attractive view for the apartment dwellers next door.
Sedums on our green roof
Another consideration in the building of “sustainable” buildings is lighting, interior and exterior. After reading an interesting article in Library Journal about light pollution from public buildings and how it can affect neighbouring residences and wildlife, I contacted Derek Newby from CEI Architects again for his explanation of how lighting issues such as this had been factored into the design of the new Tommy Douglas Library. Here is his answer:
Lighting public buildings is a difficult task – the designers seek to ensure safety around the building and a welcoming appearance, but are careful not to over-light or direct light where is not needed, to save energy. Beyond that, the designers are considerate of the need to preserve the darkness of the night sky whenever possible. Light that shines beyond a building’s site or into the night sky is wasted energy, and can be annoying to neighbors and detrimental to nocturnal species. The lighting design at the Tommy Douglas Library has been developed to be considerate to its neighbors, and inviting to patrons. The lighting helps make the library safe at night by providing good visibility and clear paths to follow around the building. Although there is a lot of glass in the building, lights have been positioned and selected so that no direct-beam illumination leaves the site. The canopies and sun shades that you see around the building help to preserve the night sky and bounce light down to the ground where it is required. The Library will appear warm and bright from the street, but will not waste energy by sending light where it is not needed. We hope patrons will find the library welcoming and delightful, particularly after dark. The transparency of the building, combined with the fields of coloured glass, will make for a lively and pleasant addition to Kingsway, and the neighborhood.
Derek N. Newby, Dip. Plan., BA, M.Arch., OAA, MRAIC, LEED A.P. CEI Architecture Interiors Planning
Entry filed under: Sustainable building. Tags: Green buildings, Green roof, lighting.
1.
Green-Earth | November 30, 2009 at 2:46 am
Hello, I’m so delighted to see the Green Roof on top of the Tommy Douglas Library. Every building should be designed with a Green Roof just like the Library !! So,what kind of plants are currently planted on the roof ?
2.
edmondslib | November 30, 2009 at 6:46 pm
We certainly hope more new buildings will include green roofs! It does add to the expense of the building – the roof is heavier than a traditonal roof because it holds water and needs more and stronger structural supports. This is what Derek Newby, the “green” point man at CEI Architects had to say in an earlier post about the roof:
“The roof on the low portion of the building is ‘green’ – planted with a mix of sedums, a plant variety that is hearty in our climate that requires little maintenance. The green roof aids in reducing Stormwater discharge, and helps cool the building.”
So far, the heating, cooling and ventilation system at the new library is working very well – the temperature is even and pleasant whatever is happening outside. The building is very quiet as well as there is no need for fans or blowers to circulate warm or cool air.
Deb Thomas, Deputy Chief Librarian