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New Library/service centre kind on the environment
When the new library/service centre and learning
centre for south Christchurch is finished it will be
among the most environmentally friendly buildings in
Christchurch. The request for such a building came
from the local community during the
Christchurch City Council’s public
consultation process. And it is being
realised in a design by Architecture
Warren and Mahoney. Work on the building by Mainzeal
Property and Construction started in
September. It is planned the new facilities
— including a Council Service Centre,
library, learning centre classrooms and
café — will open in June next year, says project
manager Ian McKenzie of the Christchurch City
Council. The finished complex will be set on the banks of the
Heathcote River (on the corner of Colombo Street
and Hunter Tce) and will be surrounded by a moat,
with water as a central design theme. The library
doors will open on to patio decks, creating islands in
the moat, where in summer people will be able to sit
and read. Shade will be provided by roof overhangs on the
building and trees. Rainwater collected
on the roof will supply the moat, which
will cool air circulating through low-level
windows. Energy from the Christchurch
water supply is to power heat pumps in
winter, while low-energy light fittings are
to be controlled by daylight sensors. Water in the building will be heated by
solar energy. In keeping with the council’s Zero
Waste strategy, the building will also use
many materials with a recycled content
and will be constructed according to a strictly enforced
waste management plan. The building will also
incorporate durable materials to minimise the use of
surface finishes such as paint. The café will be run by the owner/ operators of the
Cashmere café, The Cup. |