LEED Gold library set to open in Darien, Connecticut

The $18 million, 54,000 square foot library features a poured-in-place concrete foundation, structural steel frame with concrete deck, brick veneer facing with masonry backing, and a slate roof. Sustainable highlights of the library include siting the project on a re-used formerly developed brownfield location, providing full erosion and sedimentation control, installing water efficient landscaping that requires no potable water for irrigation, diverting 50% of construction waste to recycle centers, and using low-VOC finish materials, such as adhesives, sealants, carpets and paints, lighting, and housekeeping products.

A.P. Construction also installed an on-site water retention system and geothermal heating, ventilating and air conditioning system that uses closed loop technology. All lumber, including material for roof shingles, beams, studs, flooring and millwork has been acquired from regional companies using sustainable forestry practices.

A unique feature to the library will be its computerized book return conveyor system that will be the first of its kind to be installed in Connecticut. This will automate the process of retrieving, sorting and moving items and therefore free up staff members’ time to help library users find the materials or information they need.