New High-Performance Library Addition Earns LEED Gold Certification with TCS II Standing Seam Roof

A Follansbee® TCS II® standing seam metal roof tops the newly-constructed Learning Commons and Mollie Dodd Anderson Library at George School in Bucks County, Pa. The over 26,400 square-foot, $12.5 million facility is the newest academic addition in 33 years at the private Quaker boarding and day high school.

 

Anderson Library was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold requirements, and included many sustainable building elements for its design and construction. Over 50 percent of the new materials for the library contained recycled content, including the TCS II panels used in the metal roof. A vegetative roof was installed in conjunction with the Follansbee roof to provide storm water management and building insulation.

 

The library is comprised of a glass box-like formation connected to two brick structures that match the nearby historic George School Meetinghouse, which was built in 1812. The campus meetinghouse was originally located in Philadelphia and was transported to and reassembled on campus in 1974.

 

“Follansbee’s TCS II was chosen for its remarkably high-recycled content, performance and appearance,” says Mark Robinson, Follansbee President and General Manager. “TCS II enriches the appeal of the library and embodies the Quaker aesthetic of simplicity.”

 

Approximately 12,000 square-feet of Follansbee TCS II was installed as a double lock standing seam roof and approximately 1,500 square-feet of TCS II was used in the fascia and soffits of the roof.

 

“A reliable product like TCS II has reduced life-cycle costs and environmental impact and is virtually maintenance free,” Robinson explains. “It can endure corrosion and harsh weather, thus making it the best roofing choice for the planned longevity of the building while illustrating George School’s commitment to sustainability.”

 

In addition to the library, the facility includes five classrooms, a learning center, offices, a conference room and an art gallery. Additional green building features include geothermal heating and cooling, native plant rain gardens, FSC-certified wood, low-VOC paints, carpets and glues, waterless urinals and low-flush toilets.

 

Follansbee TCS II, an architectural stainless steel coated with Follansbee’s patented ZT® (zinc/tin) alloy, weathers naturally to an attractive grey patina and does not require painting. TCS II withstands harsh weather environments, as proven by Follansbee’s extensive metallurgic testing and real world experience. To date, TCS II has surpassed 30,250 hours of ASTM salt spray testing with no red rust.

 

Construction began in fall 2008 and the library was completed in September 2009. LEED Gold certification was awarded in March 2010. Bowie Gridley Architects, Washington, D.C., served as the project’s architect, W.S. Cumby, Springfield, Pa., as general contractor, North Coast, York, Pa., as distributor and Kraus Commercial Roofing, Inc., Ottsville, Pa. as installer.