Apart from being famous for its hot springs, Beitou is also home to Taiwan’s first “green” library. This distinctive structure is located in the lush green environs of Beitou Hot Spring Park, near the Beitou Hot Spring Museum.
This library was the first building in Taiwan to receive the certification of “Green Building”. The structure makes generous use of French windows and natural light, and blends in with the surrounding environment. Built mainly of wood and steel, it resembles a large treehouse just waiting to welcome visitors.
Beitou Library is “green” from inside to outside! Part of the roof is covered in solar panels, which can store up to 16KW of power. The wooden balcony railing is also eco-friendly; its vertical design conserves energy by reducing the amount of heat-causing rays allowed to enter the rooms. Rainwater collected by the sloping roof’s drainage system is used to water the library’s plants and flush the toilets. Eco-friendly paint was also used, to reduce the amount of toxins released into the environment.
When you come to Beitou, besides having a nice soak in the hot springs, you can also visit the Beitou Library for some “forest bathing”—enjoying a good book surrounded by lush greenery, that is!
Beitou Library 北投圖書館
