CASE STUDY  |  CIVIC

City of Austin New Central Library: A Civic Game-Changer

The City of Austin developed the Central Library along West Cesar Chavez Street in the Seaholm District. Since opening in 2017, this new iconic building has become the centerpiece of Austin’s cultural landscape. The award-winning lakefront structure hosts open library spaces, an on-site restaurant, staff support areas, and unfinished space for future expansion.

The City of Austin developed the Central Library along West Cesar Chavez Street in the Seaholm District. Since opening in 2017, this new iconic building has become the centerpiece of Austin’s cultural landscape. The award-winning lakefront structure hosts open library spaces, an on-site restaurant, staff support areas, and unfinished space for future expansion.

Encotech was contracted to design the plumbing systems for the entire building and provide construction phase services to install all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The plumbing design featured a rainwater collection and distribution system and energy-efficient plumbing for high-rise buildings. This project required coordination of site utilities on a zero-lot-line.

The electrical service to the site was upgraded to power the new buildings with limited impact to the existing buildings. Site lighting was added to the parking lot near the new offices. Diffusers located in the current main reception area were rebalanced to provide proper air distribution. The New Central Library is being designed to achieve LEED® Gold Certification.

LOCATION: Austin, Texas
CLIENT: Lake | Flato Architects
SERVICES: Plumbing Engineering & Construction Administration

Encotech was contracted to design the plumbing systems for the entire building and provide construction phase services to install all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The plumbing design featured a rainwater collection and distribution system and energy-efficient plumbing for high-rise buildings. This project required coordination of site utilities on a zero-lot-line.

The electrical service to the site was upgraded to power the new buildings with limited impact to the existing buildings. Site lighting was added to the parking lot near the new offices. Diffusers located in the current main reception area were rebalanced to provide proper air distribution. The New Central Library is being designed to achieve LEED® Gold Certification.

LOCATION: Austin, Texas
CLIENT: Lake | Flato Architects
SERVICES: Plumbing Engineering & Construction Administration