The first LEED-Gold-certified kindergarten and middle-school building in the city of San Jose, this 6,000-sq-ft library creates a new focal point at the campus, which dates to the 1850s and is one of the oldest schools in Northern California.
The $4.3-million library expansion connects the elementary and middle schools. Among its new spaces is a technology lab. In contrast to the stucco-clad, flat-roofed 1990s buildings adjacent to it, the new library incorporates an energy-efficient metallic composite-panel exterior with zinc plate accents and abundant glass—reflective of its Silicon Valley location.
Other sustainable elements include extensive daylighting, natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels and water-saving fixtures.
Orchard Library
San Jose
Key Players
Contractor: Blach Construction, Santa Clara
Owner: Orchard School District, San Jose
Lead Design: HMC Architects, Los Angeles
Structural Engineer: Hohbach-Lewin Inc., Palo Alto
MEP: McCracken & Woodman, Inc., Oakland
Submitted by HMC Architects
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