Zero net energy public library for the San Benito County in Hollister, CA

Andrzej Kaczmarek, Paweł Kirschke

doi:10.37190/arc210112

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of elements of sustainable design in public buildings in the context of contemporary architectural design solutions and zero-energy standards for newly designed buildings in California, USA. The paper presents a detailed overview of the main task of the ā€œArchitecture at Zero 2020ā€ international architectural competition, organised by the American Institute of Architects California ā€“ a design of the San Benito County Public Library in Hollister, CA. The paper also features a detailed analysis of the competitionā€™s outcome, with a specific focus on Andrzej Kaczmarekā€™s design, which was given the merit award in the competitionā€™s student projects category. The competition resulted in the presentation of the libraryā€™s design alternatives, each suited to context-specific environmental and climate determinants and optimised in terms of energy. Andrzej Kaczmarekā€™s design met these requirements, as demonstrated via calculations performed using eQuest 3ā€“64 software. The design was recognised not only because of its optimised energy balance, but also the excellence with which it satisfied the needs of local citizens and how it reflected a thorough understanding of the siteā€™s place-based character. The library was successfully blended in with its historical context via its simple form that was partially embedded underground. The building was designed to feature an array of advanced engineering solutions intended to secure it against earthquakes and optimise its heat balance, including kinetic faƧades and retractable glazed roof elements, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and Pavegen floor surfaces.

Full article view is only available on bigger screens.