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High Performance Design for College Library
High Performance Design for College Library, Langara College Library

This project mandated a heavy green philosophy, with key sustainable features being wind-driven natural ventilation, an optimized building envelope, thermal mass, building shape, and orientation to create an aerodynamic building equipped with wind towers.   The combination of design elements and LEED® concepts has resulted in an estimated energy savings of more than 65% compared to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.

Morrison Hershfield was the envelope consultant for the innovative 7,700 m2 Langara College Library.  The 2-3 storey concrete framed library includes underground parking.  The walls are clad with translucent and curtain wall glazing and windows, and the roof assemblies are a combination of conventional two-ply SBS membranes, single-ply thermal plastic and standing seam zinc metal roof.  The innovative design blends sustainability, flexibility and social responsibility in an institutional setting.

Morrison Hershfield worked closely with the design team and client to achieve an efficient building envelope system.  With the technical expertise, the envelope assemblies contributed to the high performance design and met the specific energy efficiency requirements.  Morrison Hershfield participated in an integrated design process to work with the architectural team and consultants to design and construct this internationally recognized advanced building design. 

The library, valued at $20 million, opened in 2007.

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