Indianapolis Public Library

HEAPY designed the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for a new Indianapolis Public Library Michigan Road Branch. It is the first new branch of the library system in 20 years. The design for the Michigan Road Library is targeted for a Silver certification for LEED v4 with 66 submitted points. The project used high-efficiency HVAC systems, all LED lighting, many recycled materials, and other commonly practiced sustainable strategies.

The following are some of the areas in the project that went above and beyond in sustainable design:

• Interior millwork accents and custom tables made from site-harvested trees
• 90% of public space is naturally lit
• 47% energy reduction below baseline code.
• A unique, fully automated double skin, a few of which have been implemented in the U.S. to control solar heat gain and glare. This façade design allows the primary street façade – which faces southwest to be made of glass. Instead of being very inefficient, it will assist the HVAC system during all seasons, reducing overall energy and controlling natural light. The system operates two glass walls, separated by 4’ with automated fins in the cavity, to control glare and solar heat gain. Depending on the season, dampers either move the warm air inside or push it outside.