Solar Library
City of Mount Airy
Funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant, the 14,000 SF library was designed to be a model of solar energy usage.
Innovative methods were developed to enhance natural daylighting, while passively heating and ventilating the spaces within an acceptable range. Orientation, insulation systems, landscaping, infiltration controls and glass shading devices help achieve the required energy efficiency.
Continuous review by the Department of Energy indicates that energy consumption is 35% of the energy required by similar non-solar structures.
Areas for reading and other tasks requiring higher levels of illumination are strategically located under clerestories along the southern edge of the building for maximum optimization of daylighting.
The white Mount Airy granite exterior is consistent in finish with other buildings in the city center and facilitates cooling in the summer.
The award-winning library has been featured in Solar Age, Architectural Record, and several other national publications.
