Rakow Branch Library

Elgin, Illinois

The new 10,000 square-foot branch library is located on a green site in an area of Elgin undergoing rapid development.  The significant amount of available land around the site will be utilized for storm water management and retention ponds, among other uses.  The library design received LEED Gold rating for the incorporation of ground-source heat pumps with geothermal exchange at horizontal trenches.  Building systems have been further optimized through the use of demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery at a dedicated makeup air unit, tankless water heaters, advanced, low-emissivity windows, and other energy-efficient design features.  Building infrastructure was designed and sized to accommodate future expansion efforts adjacent to the building.  The project was awarded a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Henneman staff designed the geothermal systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing and served as LEED and Energy Grant Liaison.