Bancroft Library
Berkeley, California
Bancroft Library is a 5-story, 110,000 sqft special-collections library at UC Berkeley. This library is among the most heavily used libraries of its kind in the United States.
HVAC design for this project required the creation of unique archival conditions throughout the library. Stabilizing temperatures at 60 °F and 40% relative humidity was achieved through the use of desiccant dehumidification systems, as well as innovative dual-duct-reheat temperature and humidity control zones. Systems at Bancroft Library also include a water-cooled chiller plant.
Size (ft²)
110,000
Stories
5
Project Type
Library
Scope of Work
HVAC and controls design for a major retrofit of the Bancroft Library. The Library houses a large rare materials collection (Egyptian Papyrus, Mark Twain Papers) and the project includes a complete replacement of the HVAC system to establish environmental conditions suitable to the long term preservation of these materials.
Completed
2008
Owner
UC Berkeley
Architect
Ratcliff Architects
Contractors
General: McCarthy Builders
Mechanical: Control Air North / LJ Cruse
Photographer
Søren Fuglede Jørgensen
References
UC Berkeley: Stan Mar
Ratcliff Architects: Bill Blessing
McCarthy Builders: Tony Fung
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