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Redcliffe's new library and gallery sets energy efficient standard

Redcliffe City Council's new $6.6 million library and art gallery complex is setting a new standard for energy efficient public buildings since opening on 29 August.

The 3000 square metre building has been constructed using innovative power, lighting and air conditioning technologies. These have the potential to slash operating costs by 50 percent compared to traditional methods.

The building was designed by Project Services, using smart energy initiatives which are likely to become standard for public and private facilities throughout Queensland, according to Project Services project manager Don Hewitt.

"When you consider that most buildings are constructed with a minimum lifespan of 50 years, operating expenses often overshadow construction costs by four to five times," he said.

"The use of innovative building techniques and materials will greatly reduce Council's operating commitments and ultimately lessen the burden on the facility's end users &endash; the ratepayers of Redcliffe City.

A large section of the building will be ventilated naturally most of the year. The louvres, as well as series of roof mounted thermal flues, open and close automatically according to weather conditions. Powered air conditioning will only be used when weather conditions prevent the use of natural ventilation.

Don Hewitt said the system's effectiveness and efficiency is maximised through the use of floor ducts for gentle circulation which provide cooled air to only a height of two metres. Instead of cooling the entire building, the system aims to provide human comfort. A further innovation is the use of natural light in preference to artificial sources during the bulk of the library's opening hours.

"Natural light spills into the library via a large, translucent sheeted south wall," Don Hewitt said.

"Additional diffused natural light is provided by special reflectors and pyramidal skylights which use technology developed by the Queensland University of Technology's Physics Department."

The complex is an example of mixed mode building design which incorporates natural and powered systems. The philosophy is becoming increasingly popular as sick building syndrome, greenhouse warming and environmental issues are recognised by designers.

Redcliffe City Council's spokesperson for library services, Councillor Doug Smith, said the library is twice as big as its predecessor and would provide a better experience.

"The technical improvements are not invasive," he said.

"The old Redcliffe City Library was the second busiest in the State with more than 1,100 patrons each day.

"I am sure the improvements and adjacent art gallery will make it even more popular."

Councillor Smith said the library will feature a reading deck, coffee area, study carrels, genealogy terminals, information technology centre, meeting rooms, young people's place, toy library for children with special needs, and a local history section.

The inclusion of the art gallery in the complex also means that the City's art collection valued at more than $500,000 will finally have a home of its own.

For further information contact Redcliffe City Library on (07) 3283 0311.

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