Hamilton Mill Branch
3690 Braselton Highway
Dacula, GA 30019

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Hamilton Mill Branch from Gwinnett County Public Library on Vimeo.

Welcome to the Gwinnett County Public Library's Hamilton Mill Branch, which provides 21st century library services in a state of the art ecologically friendly facility. This newly established library is scheduled to open in 2010, and is Gwinnett County Public Library's 15th branch. The 20,000 square foot building is designed to have a minimal impact on the environment through the use of recycled materials and features that conserve energy and water. The features enhance the building's function, its architecture, and best of all, our environment.

Location

1. The building is close to Duncan Creek Park and recreation centers.

2. The building is situated close to Interstate 85 and will provide parking    
    provisions for fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles, as well as a bike rack for patron
    and employee use.

3. The building is located to take advantage of the park, enhance the northern
    view, and take advantage of southern solar exposure for day lighting.

4. Landscaping features include:

        • Native or adapted plants have been restored to open areas

        • Shade trees

        • Drought tolerant plants and water efficient drip irrigation system will help 
        reduce water usage

Exterior

1. Sunshades and solar control devices on the south façade help control the
    amount of light and heat which enters the building throughout the year.

2. Light shelves along the south coupled with highly reflective roof surfaces helps
    reflect sunlight to the interior while screening direct afternoon sunlight,
    effectively reducing interior UV heat.

3. Vertical fins on the east and west windows reduce direct afternoon sunlight.

4. EPA "Energy Star" roof with reflective color coating reduces solar heat gain.

5. Extra foam insulation on the exterior wall enhances energy efficiency.

6. Building materials contain both pre and post consumer recycled content, and
    are manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project site.

Interior

2. Paints and adhesives contain no or low volatile organic compounds (VOC)

    thereby reducing indoor pollutant sources.

3. Large windows, skylights, and clerestories allow day lighting strategies to be

    employed.

4. Window glass features double glazing, low emission, and selective low    

    emission coating to improve insulation and heat gain and loss through the

    building fenestration.

5. Energy use is reduced up to 30% with energy efficient lighting, heating, and

    cooling equipment.

6. Artificial lighting is automatically controlled based on the amount of daylight

    entering the space, improving energy efficiency and turning off luminaries when

    not needed.

7. Air conditioning equipment does not use conventional CFC and HCFC

    refrigerants, which are not environmental friendly.

8. Carbon dioxide and humidity sensors monitor indoor air quality.

9. Low flow automatic faucets and toilets dramatically reduce water usage.

10. Environmental resource exhibit in areas along with the building design

    components and strategies promote public awareness of ecology and green

    building design.