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Students access high-tech information in an inventive “mixed mode” ventilated library
Solomon Cordwell Buenz, in conjuction with Germany-based Transsolar Climate Engineering, implemented natural and mechanical building systems and strategies for Loyola University’s Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, a 70,495-square-foot digital research library on the shores of Lake Michigan.
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The building’s form, space, function, materials, and construction act to enforce and support each other in creating an environment that maximizes comfort, while reducing energy consumption. The project is designed to use about 50 percent less energy than a code-compliant building and is seeking Silver LEED certification.
The commons is essentially a four-story transparent box with two limestone bookends. The double-skin glass curtain wall works in concert with radiant slabs, underfloor air, and operable windows and shading devices. These integrated features allow the commons to operate as either a mechanically ventilated building, or as a naturally ventilated building, given the appropriate outdoor conditions. It can also operate as a “hybrid” building. In this “mixed mode” state natural ventilation is assisted by the cooling capacity of the radiant slab.
These sophisticated systems are controlled by an array of sensors that monitor the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels within the building, while a weather station assesses outdoor conditions. The windows, dampers, shades, and blinds respond to this data and adjust automatically.
Many interior materials are recycled and have low content of volatile organic compounds. Also, specific surface coatings for the glass, shades, and blinds were chosen to mitigate heat gain, and are integral to the environmental scheme.
Formal name of project: Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, Loyola University
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Gross square footage: 86,000 sq.ft.
Completion Date: September 2007
Total construction cost: 22 million
Architect:
Solomon Cordwell Buenz
625 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611
P: 312-896-1100
F: 312-896-1200
Email: devon.patterson@scb.com
Contact: Devon Patterson, AIA, LEED AP
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