Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Arkitektura, Eraikin eta Egitura Diseinua Competition Category.

ZilarArkitektura· 2026

Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Arkitektura Category

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The Design

About Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia

Liburuaren Testua: Wuzhen herri historikoaren barruan kokatuta, Ascending Ground-ek iraunkortasunaren eta irekitasunaren arteko elkarrizketa esploratzen du gaur egungo auzo-liburutegi baten bitartez. Birziklatutako adreilu gris-bolumenek eraikina tokiko tradizioan errotzen dute, eta terrazek, plataformek eta tailatutako irekiguneek mugimendu jariakorra eta enkoadratutako ikuspegiak sortzen dituzte. Argiz betetako erdiko huts batek natura eta jarduera soziala sartzen ditu, liburutegia geruzaz osatutako espazio-paisaia bihurtuz, arkitektura, eguzki-argia eta hiriko memoria lotzen dituena.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Ascending Ground Lehen Funtzioa: Auzo-liburutegia jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The project reinterprets Wuzhen’s historic architectural language through a contemporary community library that merges cave-like enclosed spaces with open terraces. The façade employs locally sourced recycled bricks, reinforcing regional identity while reducing material impact. A heavy masonry mass contrasts with a light-filled central void, creating layered circulation and a social platform connecting residents and visitors.
Dimensions & Packaging: The building is organized as a multi-level library composed of a heacy mass cladded with local-sourced recycled bricks and lightweight steel terrace structures. Massing and platform geometry were optimized through sun-path analysis to enhance daylight performance and natural ventilation. Varied façade openings regulate light and views, while staggered terraces create integrated circulation across levels, supporting flexible spatial use and environmental responsiveness.
Tags: community library, contextualized design, heritage integration, recycled material
Production Technology: The overall massing and platform layout were determined through careful study of the sun path to optimize daylight and capture views of Wuzhen’s historic district. Heavy volumes use locally sourced recycled grey bricks, while lightweight timber and steel define the central void and terraces. Staggered terraces, varied window openings, and intersecting stairs create layered spatial experiences, blending traditional materials with contemporary construction techniques.
Design Challenge: Integrating a contemporary library into Wuzhen’s historic fabric required balancing tradition and innovation while addressing social and spatial needs. Constraints included local regulations, material availability, and construction logistics in narrow historic streets.
Inspiration: The design is inspired by the rich historical and cultural fabric of Wuzhen, particularly its muted grey brick and white-walled architecture. Motivated to create a contemporary intervention that respects tradition, the project explores spatial contrasts between enclosed cave-like areas and open terraces, fostering community interaction while embracing the town’s scenic context.
Project Duration: The project concept started in 2018 during my travel in Wuzhen and the design finished in 2019.
Operation Flow: The library features a system of staggered stairs, platforms, and vertical circulation within the brick volumes, allowing visitors to move freely between enclosed, cave-like spaces and open terraces. This separation of circulation creates multiple paths, encourages exploration, and frames diverse views of Wuzhen, while the central void and terraces serve as flexible communal spaces that enhance social interaction and experiential engagement.
Patents: Hao Zhong
Team Members: Hao Zhong
Image Credits: Hao Zhong