Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary Library

The vision of the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) Library to fulfill their role as stewards of the environment, minimizing impacts on the earth and restoring the land as much as possible, is clearly reflected in the Library’s design. Encouraging discovery and advancing knowledge in harmony with the environment, the AMBS Library is the first LEED certified library in Indiana, and includes a gallery space and bookstore.

7group’s involvement with this library project began with facilitating an initial charrette during which a decision was made to forgo the previously-developed design (left bottom image) in favor of one addressing sustainability issues (center bottom image). Ongoing services provided during the project’s development included LEED consulting, energy modeling and consulting, daylighting analysis, and preparation of LEED specifications and LEED documentation. The AMBS Library was also prominently featured in 7group’s recent book, The Integrative Design Guide to Green Building: Redefining the Practice of Sustainability.

AMBS expects to achieve long-term benefits including reduced use of natural resources, enhanced comfort and health of patrons and staff, reduced operating costs and self-sustaining native landscaping. A geothermal ground-source heating and cooling system uses the earth’s temperature to heat and cool the building, and triple-paned windows and north-facing clerestories use daylight to further reduce heating and cooling-related energy needs. Overall, the building has experienced a 30% reduction in energy consumption. Building materials that can be replenished readily, such as wood, were chosen instead of petroleum-based plastics – cherry trees already being harvested from nearby were used for 7,041 feet of trim and 500 square yards of paneling. The exterior landscape was carefully nurtured; garden basins retain water runoff from the roof rather than sending it through city storm drains eliminating the need for landscaping irrigation.

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• A rendering of the AMBS Library before the initial charrette was held. The original design for the AMBS Library was discarded after an AMBS Librarian learned about sustainable building design. She became convinced that building a green library was an opportunity to demonstrate Christian theology and care, and provide an example for others.
• The AMBS Library after the charrette process was reconfigured in an “H” shape for more effective daylighting, and the roof structure was improved to support clerestory windows. Energy efficient light and water systems were incorporated into the design, and sustainable materials and furnishings were employed throughout the building.
• Clerestory windows provide daylighting and produce even illumination within the library space. Photocells dim electric lights according to daylight availability.

Location
Elkhart, IN, USA

Project Owner
Associated Mennonite
Biblical Seminary

Architect
The Troyer Group

Building Size
37,500 sf

Cost
$5,500,000

Completed
August 2007

LEED^® Status
LEED Gold (NCv2.1)
Certified