Overview

• Location: Greensburg, KS, United States
• Building type(s): Other, Interpretive Center, Library
• New construction
• 14,800 ft2 (1,370 m2)
• Project scope: 2-story building
• Rural setting
• Anticipated completion date: November 2011

In May, 2007, a tornado ripped through Greensburg, Kansas destroying much of the city. The building containing the Kiowa County Library and Historical Museum was completely destroyed. The County has replaced the facility with a new community learning center. This building houses the historical museum, the Kansas State Extension Service, and the library. A Community Media Center houses an internet radio station, an internet TV station and a web portal capable of delivering news and events throughout the county. The building is projected to be LEED Platinum certified.

At 150 feet long and 75 feet in depth, the Commons has been constructed on the southern half of the 300 block of South Main, next to the Greensburg City Hall. The dimensions of the spaces are around 6,600 square feet for both the library and museum areas; 2,200 square feet for the extension office; 4,000 square feet for the media center and another 600 or so square feet for the lobby/rest room area.

Environmental Aspects

The Kiowa County Commons, awaiting LEED Platinum certification, includes the proposed sustainable elements:

• Abundance of light streaming into the building through the extensive glass;

• Photovoltaic panels on the roof (north side above museum) to provide electrical power from solar generation;

• Numerous light monitors in the garden area roof allowing sunlight to filter into the facility from above;

• Extensive use of awnings, overhang of the roofline and trees to control the amount of light/heat let in;

• Trellis on the roof to provide shading;

• Abundance of windows on the east wall to allow morning light into various areas;

• Use of wall construction similar to that of the Business Incubator building, which carries an R-22 insulating factor.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned and occupied by Kiowa County, KS, Local government

Keywords

Integrated team, Indigenous vegetation, Water harvesting, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Drought-tolerant landscaping, Massing and orientation, Insulation levels, Glazing, Airtightness, HVAC, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, Durability, Recycled materials, C&D waste management, Occupant recycling, Connection to outdoors, Daylighting, Low-emitting materials

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