Waiheke Island Library: a zero energy building

Description: Waiheke Island has a sub-tropical climate. Average temperatures are 2C warmer than Auckland where public libraries are cooled by air-conditioning. The challenge set by the client for this building was to provide comfort temperatures without the use of air-conditioning and to aim for a net-zero energy building with the budget of a conventional libarary. Research questions What methods of passive design are appropriate for a public library in a sub-tropical climate where air-conditioning is the norm? To what extent can renewable energy (RE) devices be integrated so that the performance can approach that of a net-zero energy building? How can the performance of the building and its RE devices be simulated and monitored? How can the building address the Te Aranga, Maori design principles? Methods The design principles were based on published, peer-reviewed research by the designer. Extensive simulation of the energy performance of the building and RE technologies was carried out throughout the design stages. Meters were integrated during the construction stages to allow energy and water consuming devices to be monitored remotely. Dissemination The building has a real-time display of its energy performance in the main library for the public to view. The initial feedback has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The building and its performance has been celebrated widely through professional journals and the media following architectural awards given to the building. Statement of significance: The feedback from the building some 2 years after it was completed have demonstrated its success in achieving its objectives of a free-running building that could be completely off-grid. Indoor comfort has been achieved without air-conditioning and the RE system has exceed its anticipated contribution. All this within the budget of a standard library. Awards The building was the winner of the 2015 New Zealand Timber Awards taking out the top award in the Commercial Architectural Excellence Category as well as the Overall Supreme Award