Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Prata in Deseño de Arquitectura, Edificación e Estruturas Competition Category.

PrataArquitectura· 2026

Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award de Prata Winner in Arquitectura 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 Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria

Texto do Libro: Situado na histórica vila de Wuzhen, Ascending Ground explora un diálogo entre a permanencia e a apertura a través dunha biblioteca comunitaria contemporánea. Os volumes de ladrillo gris reciclado ancoran o edificio na tradición local, mentres que as terrazas, plataformas e aberturas talladas xeran un movemento fluído e vistas enmarcadas. Un baleiro central inundado de luz introduce a natureza e a actividade social, transformando a biblioteca nunha paisaxe espacial estratificada que conecta a arquitectura, a luz natural e a memoria urbana.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Prata

Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria gañou o A' Design Award de Prata, un recoñecemento enormemente prestixioso outorgado a deseños de gama alta, fermosos e impresionantes. Os gañadores Prata son obras tremendamente brillantes e sumamente creativas que ilustran a pericia, o talento e a agudeza sobresaíntes dos seus deseñadores. Espérase que Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria sexa unha obra marabillosa, escaparate de oficio, notablemente profesional e profundamente innovadora. Este deseño gañador do A' Design Award de Prata é unha invención moi notable e admirada que beneficia e fai avanzar os límites da arte, a ciencia, o deseño e a tecnoloxía. Ascending Ground Función Primaria: Biblioteca Comunitaria é unha creación moi envexada que esperta desexos, achega sentimentos positivos e prende asombro e marabilla.

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