Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carrick

Overview

With our frequent partner, Thoughtful Balance, Ethos Collaborative developed an artful cascading stormwater planter design along with civil site development for the expansion of the Carrick Library. Carrick Library serves a vibrant community but had outgrown the existing building. The existing facility was one of the smallest of the 19 branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. This Passive House re-design of the existing Carrick Library doubled the square footage of the building and incorporated elements of sustainable design into the structure.

As part of the expansion, Ethos Collaborative was engaged to develop an integrated green infrastructure design for the new exterior, including extensive curbed stormwater planters, green streetscapes and porous pavement patios. Ethos worked closely with partners including NK Architects, the Carnegie Library, PWSA and the Pittsburgh Department of Public Works (DPW) to provide full site stormwater design services, graphic renderings and technical assistance with regulatory and development permitting. The resulting design includes porous paver patios enveloped in extensive native plantings along cascading stormwater planter bays. The stormwater elements capture the first inch of runoff from the site and create inviting outdoor patios for both children and adults.