EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Completing the local civic complex, Lenexa City Center Library’s vibrant stature welcomes residents of all ages and serves as a natural gathering place. The LEED silver certified building features covered parking, multi-level entrances and drive-thru book collection. The enriching environment provides access to ideas and information, meeting spaces for collaboration and independent areas to utilize its vast resources. Floor-to-ceiling mosaics created by a local artist embellish the atrium, while a unique ribbon railing curves around the building and balcony. The project aims to serve patrons, while being a visible part of the community residents fully utilize and are proud of.

The Lenexa Civic Center Library is the third project to be LEED Certified as part of the Lenexa Civic Center Campus v2009. The contract only required the project to achieve LEED Certified, but this project achieved LEED Silver with 50 points.

Through lean construction practices, there was less waste during the span of construction. Strong coordination with local waste haulers during construction of the library allowed for waste to be intentionally diverted from the landfill, reducing landfill waste by more than 75 percent.

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NOTABLE SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES USED IN THE PROJECT:

• High SRI Roof to reduce the heat island effect around the building and reduce cooling loads in summer months.

• Preferred parking and charging stations for electric vehicles.

• Bathrooms are concentrated into larger groups with low-flow fixtures to significantly reduce indoor water use.

• 96% efficient condensing domestic water heater.

• Windows are minimized on the south and west sides of the building to prevent solar gains in summer months. The north and east side windows and three large skylights allow ample natural daylighting. Apartments east of the building prevent low angled sun from creating glare in morning hours.

• All lighting is LED and equipped with daylight sensors for energy conservation.

• HVAC equipment includes 95% efficient condensing boilers and a fully modulating chiller.

• CO2 sensors in the library ensure adequate ventilation is provided to visitors in any scenario without over-ventilating.

• Hydronic radiant heaters along the exterior windows ensure occupant comfort without overheating the space.

• During occupied hours the rooftop penthouse is conditioned via return air from the main library areas which reduces heating and cooling loads.

• The Building Automation System turns off key systems when not needed to reduce energy use with such programs as a modulating economizer mode, morning warm up and cool down, and timed occupancy.

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The open ceilings and large artistic murals made it challenging to get hydronic pipes to the commons area. To blend in with the proposed aesthetics, hot water pipes are run under the raised access floor and radiant heaters were custom built into the windowsills.