LIBRARY IN THE FOREST
Vestavia Hills New Library is Open!
I've been hearing a lot about this brand new library and a couple of days ago I was close enough to swing by to take a look for myself. What a treat......it was even better than I expected! (pictures below)
DID YOU KNOW? Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest is the first LEED certified library in Alabama. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It's exciting to see a GREEN project in the Birmingham area, especially as beautiful as this one turned out.
One of the librarians was kind enough to show me around and tell me some things I did not know:
Over 80% of the trees that had to be cut down were used in the construction of the building. Also, all trees beyond 40 feet of the building were left untouched.
Everything you see in the library.....furniture, floors, countertops, are made from recycled products.
Water collected on-site will be used to irrigate the grounds.
The building was built with solar efficiency in mind. In the summer the trees protect the building from the sun and in winter the sun streaming through the windows helps with warming. The light color of the roof reflects the sun's rays, and the heating and air systems are high efficiency to keep costs down.
Low energy lighting is used throughout the building, as well as programmable lights that do not stay on when a room is not being used. Even the parking lot lighting was considered.....to minimize light pollution they used lighting that shines downward instead of all directions.
COST TO BUILD?
$13 million.....this ended up being 8.37% BELOW BUDGET!
Come on and take a look inside...
This fabulous reading area has a cozy fireplace and woodsy view!
Pine trees from the site were used in this ceiling.
An area just for teens! Isn't it great?
The Tree House
A forest observation deck!
The Library in The Forest is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Round Hill Road and Highway 31 in Vestavia.
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Courtesy of Ann Allen, e-Pro, SRES, ASP
205.902.4868
Keller Williams
One Chase Corporation Drive, Suite 150
Hoover, AL 35244
© 2011 Ann Allen, All rights reserved
Photos taken by Ann Allen and may not be reproduced without express written permission of Ann Allen, Keller Williams Realty, Hoover AL. Please check if Creative Commons License as been granted for this or other photography provided by Ann Allen. Permission usually granted if credit is given with a link back. Thank you for your understanding.
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