Highland Hills Library Awarded LEED® Gold Certification

DALLAS - Aug. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Dallas, Texas (http://www.kaitexas.com) – KAI Texas announced today that Dallas Public Library - Highland Hills Branch has been awarded LEED® Gold. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

“Designing a LEED Gold library wasn't just about earning the certification,” said KAI Texas President and COO Darren L. James, AIA. “We worked with city officials to create a sustainable library because smart design creates a healthy and environmentally responsible library for patrons. In doing so, this library also reduces operational costs for the city of Dallas and taxpayers.”

“The success of the Highland Hills library is a true testament of the hard work put forth by every member of the team,” said Pamela Todd, Senior Interior Designer, KAI Texas. “Earning this certification was due to the collective commitment from everyone on the team to earn the highest number of points, and follow through on our commitment to design a sustainable library.”

The 19,500 sq ft building is one of the larger libraries built in Dallas and one of seven LEED Certified libraries in the Dallas Public Library system. Natural light permeates the interiors supplemented by energy-efficient LED lighting on cloudy days and evenings. The north façade curves with floor-to-ceiling glazing that overlooks indigenous xeriscape landscaping for additional natural light and a relaxing seating reading environment. The building was oriented to take advantage of prevailing winds and solar exposure to assist the reduction of utilities usage and enhance sustainable features, thus reducing operational and life-cycle costs.

The building is served by a geothermal HVAC system utilizing the energy from the earth to heat and cool the library. The mechanical rooms are centrally located at the transition from entry to circulation area and supply air through ducting systems concealed in a crawl space. The data and electrical outlets are flexibly located and can be adjusted because they are run in raised floor under the stack and seating areas.

“We are proud to have achieved LEED Gold,” shared Project Manager Stefan Kesler. “We are very happy with the low energy and water consumption. The energy use is lower than we expected – 60% less than a building built to today’s Energy Code. The library’s water use is also 40% less than the national standard.”

The library has 24 public computers, Wi-Fi access and self-checkout stations to enhance users’ experiences. The large community room can host performing arts events, presentations, speeches, and organizational and club meetings. This makes the library a true asset to the surrounding community. Video and audio recording with playback equipment are unique features that expand community learning opportunities. A 1.5-acre outdoor space adds to the library’s offerings and encourages outdoor reading and community gatherings.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The Highland Hills Library project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

About KAI Texas

KAI Texas (www.KAITexas.com) is a Texas-based design-build firm headquartered in Dallas with an additional office in San Antonio. Founded in 1999 and led by President and COO Darren L. James, AIA, KAI Texas provides program management, construction management, architecture, and mechanical/ electrical/ plumbing engineering and planning services.

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