Indianapolis Public Library - West Perry Branch

Designing a Library for Performance and Flexibility

High-Performance Design with Underfloor Air Distribution

When planning the Indianapolis Public Library's West Perry Branch, the project team set out to create a building that was energy efficient, healthy for occupants, and adaptable for the future.
A key part of that vision was rethinking how air would be delivered throughout the space. Instead of a traditional overhead HVAC system, the team implemented an underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system supported by Tate raised access floors.

The Challenge
Conventional HVAC systems condition the entire volume of a building, often resulting in unnecessary energy use and larger mechanical systems. They also rely on full air mixing, which can allow airborne contaminants to circulate throughout a space before being removed.
For a public library serving a diverse community, the project team wanted a solution that could improve energy performance, support better indoor air quality, and accommodate future changes.

The Solution
Using Tate's raised access floor system, conditioned air is delivered directly into the occupied zone from floor level. By focusing airflow where people actually spend their time, the UFAD system reduces heating and cooling loads, improves efficiency, and supports smaller mechanical equipment.
The raised floor system also provides long term flexibility. Building systems remain easily accessible, making maintenance, upgrades, and future reconfigurations simpler and less disruptive.
The combination of UFAD and access flooring helped create a building that is efficient, adaptable, and comfortable for occupants. Energy demand can be reduced, indoor air quality can be improved, and the infrastructure can evolve alongside the community it serves.
The West Perry Branch demonstrates how thoughtful building design can deliver long term performance, sustainability, and value through a smarter approach to air distribution.