Library features first in the state computerized book return

A.P. Construction Company, the construction management and general contracting division of The Ashforth Company, completed the construction of the new Darien Library. The library is a new four story LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in Darien, CT. As a result of the target LEED Gold rating, A.P. Construction, the construction manager, has followed strict sustainable construction practices and provided extensive documentation of the practices and activities throughout the project.

The $18 million, 54,000 square foot library features a poured-in-place concrete foundation, structural steel frame with concrete deck, brick veneer facing with masonry backing and slate roof. Sustainable highlights of the library include siting the project on a re-used formerly developed brown field location, providing full erosion and sedimentation control, installing water efficient landscaping that requires no potable water for irrigation, diverting 50% of construction waste to recycle centers, and using low VOC emitting finish materials such as adhesives, sealants, carpets and paints, lighting and housekeeping products.

A.P. Construction also installed an on-site water retention system and geothermal heating, ventilating and air conditioning system that uses closed loop technology. All lumber, including material for roof shingles, beams, studs, flooring and millwork has been acquired from regional companies using sustainable forestry practices.

A unique feature to the library will be its computerized book return conveyor system that will be the first of its kind to be installed in Connecticut. This will automate the process of retrieving, sorting and moving items and therefore free up staff members’ time to help library users find the materials or information they need.

“We are proud to partner with Darien Library and the Town of Darien in completing this state-of-the-art, timeless LEED Gold facility. This will be a tremendous asset for the Darien community, schools and surrounding towns now and for many, many years to come,” said Andrew B. Ashforth, chief executive officer of A.P. Construction Company.

A.P. Construction has completed numerous libraries ranging from $3 million to $10 million for townships including Wallingford, Fairfield, South Norwalk, Cos Cob, and Rye, New York as well as numerous private and public school libraries. Recent projects completed in Darien include the new Darien Rowayton Bank, the new Darien High School and the expansion and renovation of the Middlesex Middle School.

A.P. Construction also completed Nokia’s headquarters in Harrison, New York. Although Nokia chose not to pursue the LEED certification program they did complete many green building initiatives that included diverting 75% of construction waste to recycle centers, installing water efficient landscaping and low water usage plumbing fixtures, along with creating an indoor environmental quality facility from installing a high-tech air quality management system and low VOC emitting finish materials to using green friendly housekeeping products.

David Breidenbach, vice president of A.P. Construction, member of the Darien Library project team and a LEED AP – NC (Accredited Professional – New Construction and Major Renovation) with the United States Green Building Council, worked closely with other team members on this LEED accreditation process. Out of all LEED APs in the United States, only five percent are categorized in the construction management area of practice. The majority of people who have passed the LEED test are architects, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) engineers, and interior designers. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the integrated design and LEED certification process.

The architect of the Darien Library project is Peter Gisolfi Associates. The project engineer is AKF Engineers. Darien Library’s owner representative is RBI Consultants. A.P. Construction’s team includes David Breidenbach, vice president, Frank Fazekas, project manager, Meta Intemann, assistant project manager, and Mark Moran, superintendent.