Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch

The library has one basement level and two floors above ground, with a total area of 650 ping (about 2,150 square metres). It holds more than 10,000 books, with a special focus on ecological conservation. The indoor reading furniture was designed to match the building; outside there are tables and chairs on a wooden deck and a reading platform. Outdoors there are woods and an ecological lotus pond. The lightweight green roof carries solar panels that generate 16 kilowatts, and deep balconies and vertical wooden louvres keep heat out, reducing energy use. The planted roof and grassy slopes retain water and drain it naturally into rainwater tanks, and the collected water is used to water plants and flush toilets. The building is made of wood and steel, all of which can be recycled, to reduce waste and harm to the environment. For indoor health, the timber is treated against termites, eco-friendly paints are used and unnecessary fit-out work was avoided, reducing pollution and the release of toxic substances.

Translated and shortened by DealTaipei from Taiwan's national tourism database. Sources are on the terms page.