This 58,000 sf 3-story zero-energy building was designed as a model for public investment in the local community. It anticipates the shifting role of libraries in the 21st century by targeting a diverse and under-served community with educational spaces and an adult learning center.

The library’s entrance, atrium, and community room presents a public face to Hayward’s central square.

SERVICES

Daylighting improves the quality of visual comfort while reducing energy use. We use scale physical models and calibrated simulations with RADIANCE software and proprietary scripts to:
• Predict and evaluate illumination levels and light distribution
• Predict and analyze luminance gradients and glare potential
• Analyze thermal and energy use implications of daylighting design
• Design and evaluate daylighting to exhibition and curatorial performance criteria
• Predict energy savings from daylight harvesting
• Coordinate daylighting and electrical lighting design
• Post-occupancy HDRI analysis of luminance and visual comfort
Visual and thermal comfort in high-performance buildings rely on integrated glazing and curtain wall design. We use advanced simulation techniques to:
• Analyze visual performance of glazing alternatives
• Evaluate advanced glazing applications, including light redirecting glass and internal shading systems
• Predict and evaluate thermal performance of curtain wall systems
• Predict occupant comfort conditions for curtain wall alternatives
• Identify and coordinate value engineering tradeoffs for integrated high-performance facades
Effective shading reduces glare and minimizes solar heat gain without impeding the use of daylight for visual tasks. We assist the architect to design shading appropriate to the program, the climate and context of the project. We use scale physical models and calibrated models with RADIANCE software to:
• Analyze site conditions for solar access and shade potential
• Design sun control and glare control alternatives for local skies and climate conditions
• Evaluate shade alternatives for visual and thermal comfort
Achieving zero-energy and zero-carbon requires a building and site to generate the energy needed for building operation, which requires renewable energy. We use energy simulations and other tools to:
• Quantify solar and wind potential
• Identify and size appropriate alternative energy sources including photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, fuel cells
• Coordinate location and installation issues with the design team
• Identify renewable energy that can be sourced through public utilities and renewable energy vendors
A zero-energy building uses less energy over a year than it can generate and both certification organizations (such as USGBC) and State energy codes are beginning to mandate a zero-energy performance in the US and internationally. There are many variations in the definition and terminology, some grid-connected buildings are described as “zero-net-energy” buildings, buildings that are designed to be powered by on-site renewables but have not yet installed the site energy production are described as “zero-energy-ready”, etc. We assist the design team and client to establish a goal and then help design the building and renewable energy systems to achieve that goal. We use a wide range of the methods and tools described in our services to achieve the goal.

The atrium is the heart of the building, serving as a hub for circulation, daylight, and community.

AWARDS

Special Commendation Design for Integration, AIA California Design Award 2022

Honor Award for Civic Architecture, AIA California Design Award 2021

LEED Platinum, 2022

Physically-accurate simulations comparing two different designs for the atrium.

Reading and meeting areas surround the atrium and look out to Hayward’s central square located across the street.

Physically-accurate simulations of the reading lounge design during overcast and clear sky conditions.

In addition to a forward thinking social program, the project team prioritized environmental responsibility. Located adjacent to the site of the former library, we re-used its foundations to house a 500,000 gallon water catchment basin and then planted a park over the top. We also designed the building to mitigate climate change by eliminating carbon emissions through electricity demand reduction and solar power. The building will also adapt to the changing climate because the robust building envelope is shaded, well-insulated, and transparent to leverage free cooling and natural light throughout the day. This is most evident in the atrium, which serves as the heart of the building, bringing soft light down from above and orienting the visitor at all times.

Animation showing direct sun penetration on the third floor on the solstices and equinox.