Bata Library, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- RETROFIT TEAM ARCHITECT: Perkins + Will, Toronto
- GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST: Ginkgo Sustainability, Toronto
MATERIALS
Constructed in 1967, Bata Library was designed to house the stacks for displaying half a million books and publications, provide ample space for extensive card catalogs and offer quiet areas for solitary studying. “The university endeavored to re-imagine the library for how students access information and how they work today,” says Shelley Strain, LEED AP, GRP, sustainability coordinator, Trent University Facilities Management. “It needed a redesign that would support digital access to information and create inviting spaces where students can gather and work together.”
A 278-square-foot living wall, installed in the library’s atrium with the LiveWall Indoor Living Wall System, is an essential design element in the Perkins + Will plan. Completed in October 2018, the green wall is almost 7-feet high and was constructed in two side-by-side sections each 20 feet in length. Totaling 278 square feet, the living wall connects two adjacent seating areas to create an inviting open space, softens the center of the library’s interior and complements the tone of the cedar ceilings.
The LiveWall Indoor Living Wall System is a modular system that establishes a “vertical garden” mounted onto walls. In the typical indoor installation, its vertical furring tracks are attached onto the surface of a wall protected by a waterproof membrane. Horizontal aluminum rails, which include conduits to bring water to the system’s integrated irrigation components, are bolted to the tracks. LiveWall modular planter boxes, which are high-impact, UV-resistant, architectural-quality moldings, slide into the rails. Finally, separate liner inserts, which are removable and reusable plant containers that hold the growing medium and pre-grown nursery plants, are dropped into the planter boxes.
The Bata Library living wall includes 150 LiveWall modular planters manufactured in a bluestone color. The irrigation system uses drip stake assemblies, which inject water and fertilizer into the growing medium. The light fixtures are equipped with LiveWall Norb (Nutri-Orb) bulbs, a specialized white-light LED grow bulb that provides the light spectrum and light nutrition plants need for healthy growth while giving off a pleasant white light similar to regular indoor lighting.
The installation required plants not easily light-stressed by near constant lighting. Species that can tolerate slightly dry conditions also were chosen for the atrium. “The plant palette features seven tropical species with similar light and water requirements,” explains Sasha Liston, sales manager and research and development lead, Ginkgo Sustainability. “The organic design mixes 380 plants, including upright and billowing species that have a variety of leaf shapes, variegation and textures.”
Following LiveWall maintenance guidelines, Ginkgo Sustainability services the Bata Library green wall every two weeks. After each visit, Ginkgo Sustainability sends a maintenance report to Trent University Facilities Management. According to Strain, it is important to notify students about scheduled maintenance visits so they have the opportunity to observe; ask questions; and learn about the features, functions and benefits of the green wall.
LIVING WALL MANUFACTURER: LiveWall LLC
THE RETROFIT
Bata Library is a prominent landmark on the Trent University campus, which was designed by Ronald Thom (1923-86), an influential Canadian architect. His work reflected the harmony with nature characteristic of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style while incorporating the modern sensibility and simplicity of the Bauhaus movement.
“Thom strove for excellent design that harmonizes with natural settings and natural beauty,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, Ph.D., president and vice-chancellor, Trent University. “Featuring a living wall in the redesign of the Bata Library is a wonderful way to honor this legacy.”
In addition, Trent University has a long-standing commitment to a green campus. However, many of the critical elements of sustainability, such as energy retrofits, are not visible to students. A green wall at the center of the library helps the community make a connection to the university’s green initiatives.
PHOTOS: LiveWall LLC