Snøhetta has released its latest rendering of Temple Library, just a few weeks after the university broke ground on the $70 million project.
The rendering reveals the library's massive green roof, which will clock in at 46,000 square feet. When it's built it will be one of the largest green roofs in the state. It will include an underground cistern and infiltration basins, permeable pavement, and planting beds. The stormwater management system will collect water and release it back into the soil.
And yes, the public will have access to the sloped green roof from the fourth floor. There will be a terrace and seating, and the actual roof will be covered with a variety of plants.
The university received a $6,747,933 20-year-term loan for the roof from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Temple says the loan will save the university $4 million because of its low interest rate (approximately 1 percent) and shorter loan term.
The library is expected to open in the fall of 2018.