Terri Meyer Boake BES BArch MArch LEED AP
Professor :: School of Architecture :: University of Waterloo

Semiahmoo Library and RCMP District Office

Musson Cattell and Mackey Partnership

Surrey, British Columbia

 

Project Information:

Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership (MCMP), Darrell J. Epp Architect, Norson Construction

Canada's First LEED Certified Library (Silver)

(Information taken from CaGBC website) The Semiahmoo Library & RCMP District Office was designed to combine cost effectiveness, green building objectives, and functional efficiency for two very different community services.

At completion, it was estimated that the Semiahmoo Library & RCMP District Office would consume about 49% less energy than a similar building constructed to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. The main factors responsible for the savings are the overall building design, the design of the mechanical and electrical systems, and the building envelope system, including the reflective roofing material and high performance glazing system.

The project diverted 88% of materials from the landfill by implementing a construction waste management plan. In order to support the regional economy, the project used 41% locally manufactured materials. To help further the closure of energy and waste loops, 54% of the buildings materials contain recycled content.

To create a more comfortable interior environment for employees and patrons, temperature, humidity, lighting and CO2 monitoring control equipment were installed. Through the use of low-emitting materials, including paint, carpet, and composite wood, the well-being of occupants is also improved.

The project makes use of standard steel framing details, in an elegant manner that gives a lightness to the library space. The library stacks and reading spaces are largely daylit via clerestory windows, with some supplemental task lighting as well as wall windows on the north side of the building. The roof overhangs (in general) provide protection from direct sunlight through the clerestory windows. The framing for the second floor and roof uses a lightweight OWSJ structural steel system.

For more information, please visit: http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Certified_Projects/Cert_Reg113.pdf

 

Project Images:

Overall exterior view.
View towards the generous roof overhang that exposes the steel framing and underside of the steel decking. This overhang is used to provide solar shading for the clerestory windows.

View of the main main entry lobby that rises the full height of the building along the front facade.
The entry lobby is framed in steel: HSS frame supports the curtain wall along the front; wide flange sections support the roof.

Interior of the library looking towards the southeast corner. The left side of the image overlooks the double height entry loby.
View towards the clerestory and steel roof framing.
The exposed interior steel framing makes use of standard steel framed connections.
View of the reading room along the east side of the building.
The OWSJ ceiling forms a continuous plane as it appears to hover over the rows of stacks below. A clerestory window creates an almost continuous band of glazing above the stack area.
Detail of steel framing connection at clerestory window.
View across stack space and towards reception desk (at red wall).
View towards ceiling and clerestory over stack area (reading area is beneath lower height ceiling to right of image.)
Looking up towards OWSJ and steel deck ceiling. The white finish of the ceiling is used to increase reflectance and daylight levels in the space.

 

These images are for educational use only and may not be reproduced commercially without written permission. tboake@sympatico.ca

Updated February 11, 2021