The new Albion Library, complete with children’s area, computer learning centre, digital innovation + makerspace and sloping green roof for rainwater direction, has been widely celebrated for its design and multi-coloured terracotta exterior. With a construction budget of approximately $15 million, this 29,280 ft² facility, designed by Perkins + Will Canada, is one of the most utilized facilities in the Toronto Public Library System.  The HIDI Group provided mechanical design with the scope that covered HVAC design which included a heating plant, interior zones / exterior zones air conditioning systems, under floor air distribution and ventilation and heating for unoccupied areas, plumbing and fire protection up to the main service lines.

Challenges

Due to the Library’s full height glass windows HIDI needed to invent a creative way to provide heat to the perimeter. Our solution was to coordinate with the civil engineer to design a trench in the floor where we could run the heating elements and piping to supply heat to the required areas.

Sustainability Initiatives

 The use of high efficiency equipment and low flow fixture insured the reduction of water waste and energy consumption to decrease the buildings carbon footprint.