The Patrick Heath Public Library (PHPL), open since June 2011, was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council in February 2012. The 30,250 square foot, $7.1 million library incorporates several energy-efficient design features such as 37% reduction in water use and 17.5% reduction in energy use. The trees effectively capture shade and natural sun lighting. Improvements to the property have also included a trailhead and pedestrian bridge to link the PHPL to the Old No. 9 Greenway trail and 200-person amphitheater, created from quarried, hand hewn limestone from the former Hilltop Hotel harvested from the adjoining property. www.boernelibrary.org.
Paul Barwick, City of Boerne explained ten sustainable site and resource awareness strategies employed in the structure. These best practices can be used for all future development in Kendall County.
Native Habitat & Riparian Restoration
The grounds including an intermittent stream were restored after a herd of 100 exotic Axis deer decimated the native vegetation. Half the deer were relocated and invasive plants were cleared and mulched to use for plant beds and to prevent soil erosion.
Native Plants & High Performance Irrigation
The plants are deer and drought resistant. The primary water conservation feature is the collection and use of rainwater and condensate collected to water the plants. Tree bubblers and drip irrigation provide water. Some turf areas are watered with high efficiency stream rotary spray heads that do not lose water to wind or evaporation. An evapotranspiration-based irrigation controller regulates water application.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection techniques conserve drinking water. Rainfall on the two inverted pitch roofs drain into two metal tanks that hold 23,400 gallons for landscape irrigation. Condensate water created from the air conditioning system is collected and pumped into tanks where excess water drains into the tributary behind PHPL through the stormwater detention basin.
Stormwater Detention Basin & Bioswales
To implement a strategy of capturing rainfall quickly to minimize erosion and maximize groundwater recharge, a series of depressed vegetated median islands and open space areas were designed to capture stormwater pollutants from roadways and parking lots. Stormwater is conveyed to a detention basin and gradually released. Permeable surfaces such as mulched plant beds, decomposed granite paving, concrete pavers with sand joints, and turf grass areas were installed to allow greater water infiltration.
Cultural Resource Awareness
In 1896, two local doctors constructed the Victorian style White Gables Sanitarium along Main Street. Later the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word purchased the property and expanded the facility from 20 to 50 beds, renaming it St. Mary’s Sanitarium. The hospital was acquired for a retreat for tuberculosis patients. The Sisters also constructed Holy Angels Academy. These iconic structures were demolished in the 1930’s.
Heritage Plaza Interpretive Display
Resource interpretive signs mounted on pedestals and a central kiosk explain the two regional water resources relating to local history: Cibolo Creek winds through the heart of Boerne and the Guadalupe River flows west to east through the middle of Kendall County. The sign panels are made from recycled paper fiber and the pedestals were fabricated from rail obtained from the former San Antonio & Aransas Pass/Southern Pacific Railroad.
Smokehouse & Grape Arbor
The mid-1800’s smokehouse is constructed of native limestone. The roof structure is Red Cedar from East Texas and the door and window frames are hewn from native bald cypress harvested from Cibolo Creek. One hundred-year-old Laredo brick excavated on-site was used for the flooring. The door hinges and latch are hand-forged hardware. The grape arbor is made from hill country Heart Cedar, recycled water well pipe and steel livestock fence panels.
Windmill & Water Tank
This vintage windmill and elevated water tank provided much needed water for livestock of the heritage Ammann Ranch. Windmills became necessary in the late nineteenth century as water tables began to drop from increased water demand by growing populations and expanding agricultural practices.
Outdoor Classroom
This horseshoe-shaped seat wall feature provides a place for library staff, teachers, and cultural/natural resource docents to stage comfortable outdoor presentations for school groups and other audiences. A steel rainwater tank and roof rainwater supply aqueduct serve as a functional demonstration backdrop.
Parking and Area Lighting
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology was largely utilized for both interior and exterior lighting. It requires much less energy with none lost to heat production. The LED bulbs have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. The parking lot lights are uniquely designed to direct the light in various directions allowing for much less light trespass.