Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Carrick Branch

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is committed to conserving resources and reducing energy costs in its libraries. The 2018 renovation and expansion of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Carrick marked the first library to receive Passive House certification in North America. The new space includes a variety of design elements that offer a more comfortable space for patrons even during fluctuating temperatures across all seasons: windows allow for generous natural light, which will help capture solar heat in the winter.; super-insulated walls keep the building cool during the summer; heat recovery ventilation systems provide a constant flow of fresh, filtered air that keep the building warm or cold, dependent on the season. The renovation also includes a drainage and storm water management system, featuring a bioswale and rain garden that provides that enables substantial reduction in the stormwater burden on the existing municipal storm sewer system; green infrastructure that captures 100% of a 25-year rainfall for the first 24 hours across the entire site; and recirculation of collected stormwater (via a pump) throughout the site to irrigate the landscape during dry portions of the summer. The addition of these natural elements provides a natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

2018

Carrick

Carrick

Certified Passive House

MBA Building Excellence Award – New Construction 2019

8,000

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

NK Architects, Thoughtful Balance, Massaro Construction Group, Imperial Construction Services, Ethos Collaborative