James B. Hunt Jr. Library
James B. Hunt Jr. Library is one of NC State’s campus buildings certified for high performance and sustainability.
Gross Square Footage: 207,353
Date of Completion: January 2013
LEED Status: LEED Silver Certified
Designer: PBC+L and Snohetta
Purpose of Project: Anchoring the Centennial Campus’ academic oval, the James B. Hunt Jr. Library embodies the spirit of NC State’s competitive advantage in science and technology and in attracting and retaining the best faculty, students and corporate partners. Before Hunt Library, campus libraries could seat less than 5 percent of NC State students. Hunt Library doubled the available study seats in part due to the bookBot, a automatic book retrieval system that reduced the shelving square footage needs by 40 percent. Hunt Library also houses the Institute for Emerging Issues, a public policy “think-and-do” tank that brings together leaders from businesses, nonprofit organizations, government and higher education to tackle some of the biggest issues facing North Carolina’s future growth and prosperity.
Sustainability Strategy
- A highly efficient chilled beam and radiant panel HVAC system
- Rooftop solar hot water
- Efficient plumbing fixtures for energy and water savings
- An automated book retrieval and storage system to reduce square footage and its corresponding heating and cooling costs
- Utilization of a unique, custom high-performing unitized curtain wall facade system with integral solar shades that reduce passive heat gain while still providing high levels of daylighting and views to the exterior
- Incorporation of high SRI paving, a rain garden and a green roof to reduce the heat island effect, provide habitat and reduce stormwater runoff.