Entry number: B07018
Project Name: Prim Library - Sierra Nevada College
Location: 999 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, NV
Building Type: Public - Library
Completion Date: August, 2004
Architect:  Lake|Flato Architects

Sustainable Description

Design Team:
Architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Acoustical & AV System Programming: Dickensheets Design Associates
Civil Engineer: Davis Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineering: Dinter Engineering Company
General Contractor: United Construction Company
Interior Designer: Lake|Flato Architects & Insite Architects
Landscape Architect: EDAW, Inc.
Photographer: Hester + Hardaway
Structural Engineer: Datum Engineering

Narrative/Project Description:
The library was conceived as the heart of the campus, fulfilling the College's vision of "high tech, high touch," bringing students together to learn and interact, and connecting to forest setting.

Exposed heavy timber construction and layered natural wood
interiors reflect the forested location of this liberal arts college near the shores of Lake Tahoe. Nestled into its site the building conveys the sense of the shelter associated with the forest.

Inside the library, a large reading occupies the main level, with an ascending stair up to the floors of book stacks, mimicking the familiar act of climbing the slopes in this mountainous region. Reading alcoves and study lofts perched above the book stacks take advantage of the voluminous, light-filled reading room while providing views into the forest. The three floors and two mezzanines also contain classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, exhibit space, and a cafe.

Sustainability Description:
The architects worked with a sustainability consultant to incorporate a variety of green technologies, each designed to save energy and increase energy efficiency.

Space Programming: Efficient planning of interior and exterior space minimized material, energy, and construction cost impact. Interior space program allowed for abundant use of daylight.

Heating/Cooling: The only air conditioning in the building is located in the computer server rooms. All other spaces are naturally ventilated via operable windows. Vents located in the floors exhaust hot air up from each floor and out through the high clerestories in the roof. Passive shading also helps keep building cool. An in-floor radiant heating system is used to warm spaces in the winter.

Lighting: Clerestory windows allow natural, yet controlled, light to spill into the circulation, exhibit and reading areas. Maximizing the use of daylight in this way increases comfort (and learning), while reducing energy load. Lighting control systems and efficient secondary/task lighting were also incorporated.

Local Materials: Extensive use of local and regional materials, such as Douglas fir and native stone, enhance the building's connection to its specific place.

Site Development: The ecologically sensitive site was developed using sustainable practices, in close coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, including:
•Building orientation reduces heat gain/mechanical requirements during summer,
but allows solar passive heating during winter.
•Construction waste management program
•Water conservation and re-use
•Landscape design elements incorporate low maintenance native vegetation.