Liyuan Library

Libraries are usually found in the middle of the city, amongst the hustle and bustle and high-rise buildings. Li Xiadong Architects latest project has adopted an alternative vision, erecting a library in the calmness of nature.

The modest Liyuan library in the small village of Huairou lies on the outskirts of Beijing, two hours away from the tumultuous urban city.

“It forms a modern programmatic complement to the village by adding a small library and reading space within a setting of quiet contemplation,” say the architects. “On the other hand we wanted to use architecture to enhance the appreciation of the natural landscaping qualities.”

Instead of adding the new building smack bang in the centre of the village, Li Xiadong Architects chose a site nearby the mountain – a pleasant five-minute walk away.

This deliberate decision influences library-goers to make a conscious effort to hush themselves and prepare for the knowledge and reading that lies ahead.

“Because of the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding nature our intervention is modest in its outward expression. We can’t compete with nature’s splendor,” the architects say. “The building blends into the landscape through the delicate choice of materials and the careful placement of the building volume. The choice of material is especially crucial in blending with the regional characteristics.”

The primary material used in the building is local sticks used by the community to fuel their cooking stoves. The architects noticed piles of the sticks outside most Huairou homes. “We decided to use this ordinary material in an extraordinary way, cladding the building in familiar textures in a way that is strikingly sensitive.”

The interior compliments this humble exterior; a spatially diverse layout is created using steps and small level changes which demarcate distinct spaces. An inflow of natural light through the exterior wooden sticks creates a perfect reading ambience, while the use of natural materials creates a demure interior palette that does not detract from the view of books at hand.

More information: http://lixiaodong.net/en