Hidell Architects was commissioned in 2008 to renovate and expand an existing Food Lion grocery building into a new home for the Bedford Public Library. The 40,516 square foot adaptive reuse, includes a 200 seat meeting room, an electronic resource center, an automated book sorting system, cyber/vending area, express zone, children's craft room, children's story time, a toddlers zone and a dedicated teen room. The existing building, with its "flat" front facade, was modified to present a new image for the library while tying into the adjacent Old Bedford School architecture. A large circular volume and curved wall begins to soften the front facade, providing the patron with a dynamic entry into this whimsical space. The existing "box' shape was transformed with flowing curved walls and ceilings, assisting the user to navigate the various program spaces as well as define the individual areas within. The use of colored glass is seen throughout the new facility (both interior and exterior), creating walls of changing colors throughout the day.
A geothermal ground loop heat pump system to heat and cool the facility was utilized, increasing the building efficiency, and reducing life-cycle costs. The use of durable materials, energy efficient lighting (LED), and shading of exterior glazing has created a sustainable home for the Bedford Library. In addition the City received a SECO grant where they were able to add a photovoltaic system consisting of (824) Sunpower T5, 305W solar panel modules with integrated racking on the roof of the building providing a total system capacity of 251.32KW.
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