Landmark Position
The new Papamoa Library and Community Centre is designed and engineered for sustainablilty
Achieving an energy-efficient design solution was a key part of the brief for the Papamoa Library and Community Centre. The building had to have low energy consumption, integrate natural and artificial light and show Tauranga City Council's commitment to sustainable design and operation of their buildings.
Beca provided all engineering design services for the project. A heatpump, underfloor heating and cooling, high thermal mass, automated window controls and rainwater recycling all feature in the innovative design. Beca also used the resources of its own specialist low-energy group, which applied thermal modelling techniques from past low-energy projects for a result designed for this environment.
Beca design manager Mark Preston says this assured the council of the building's natural ventilation capabilities. Electrical designer Clark Houltram adds that the energy consumption of the building exceeds expectations. "Due to the thermal mass the heatpump is used only minimally and the lighting operates at vastly reduced levels during the day."
One challenge was to develop a cost-effective solution to meet the project budget. Life-cycle cost techniques identified building energy saving measures, and while these features have a higher initial capital cost, the long-term benefits can be significant.
The lighting design provides for a practically glare-free environment for both staff and visitors, with adequate and appropriate lighting levels for different needs including selecting books, reading and relaxing.
The design brief to the Beca structural team included a large clear space for the library with glass walls on the north front, rooftop highlights to maximise natural light and a curved roof in line with the beach theme. The team provided a cost-effective design including insulated concrete wall panels for lateral load resistance, eliminating the need for wall-bracing.
Contact Beca, PO Box 6345, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1001, phone (09) 300 9000, fax (09) 309 9300. Website: www.beca.com.
Story by: Trendsideas
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