Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Airgid A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Ailtireachd, Togalaichean agus Structaran Competition Category.

AirgeadAiltireachd· 2026

Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Duais Airgid A' Design Award Winner in Ailtireachd Category

13,752

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #181487

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail

Suidhichte taobh a-staigh baile eachdraidheil Wuzhen, bidh Ascending Ground a' rannsachadh còmhradh eadar maireannachd agus fosgarrachd tro leabharlann pobail co-aimsireil. Bidh tomhasan brìc liath ath-chuartaichte a' daingneachadh an togalaich ann an traidisean ionadail, agus bidh barraidean, àrd-ùrlaran, agus fosglaidhean snaighte a' gineadh gluasad sruthach agus seallaidhean frèamaichte. Bidh fànas meadhanach làn solais a' toirt a-steach nàdar agus gnìomhachd sòisealta, ag atharrachadh na leabharlainn gu cruth-tìre fànasach ioma-fhillte a tha a' ceangal ailtireachd, solas an latha, agus cuimhne bhailteil.

The Recognition

About the Duais Airgid A' Design Award

Tha Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail air Duais Airgid A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean den chiad ìre, àlainn agus drùidhteach. Tha buannaichean Airgid nan obraichean anabarrach boillsgeach agus gu math cruthachail a nochdas sàr-eòlas, tàlant agus geurchuis an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail na obair mhìorbhaileach, na sàr-eisimpleir a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus gu domhainn ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Airgid A' Design Award na innleachd glè fhaicsinneach, ion-mholta a bhrosnaicheas crìochan ealain, saidheans, dealbhaidh agus teicneolais. Tha Ascending Ground Leabharlann Phobail na chruthachadh air a bheil mòran eud, a dhùisgeas miannan, a bheir faireachdainnean math agus a thogas iongnadh is miorbhail.

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