Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha in Nhazi Ụlọ Owu, Ụlọ na Ihe Owuwu Competition Category.

ỌlaọchaỤlọ Owu· 2026

Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha Winner in Ụlọ Owu Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo

Nke e wuru n'ime obodo akụkọ ihe mere eme nke Wuzhen, Ascending Ground na-enyocha mkparịta ụka dị n'etiti nguzosike na mmeghe site n'ọ̀ba akwụkwọ obodo nke oge a. Mkpọmkpọ brik isi awọ a megharịrị emegharị na-ejide ụlọ ahụ n'omenala mpaghara, ebe ihu ọ̀nụ̀ụlọ, ikpo elu, na oghere a pịrị apị na-emepụta mmegharị na-asọ asọ na ọhụụ ndị e mere okpokoro. Otu ohere etiti jupụtara n'ìhè na-eweta okike na ọrụ mmekọrịta mmadụ na ibe ya, na-agbanwe ọ̀ba akwụkwọ ahụ ka ọ bụrụ ala obibi nwere ọtụtụ ọkwa nke na-ejikọta ụkpụrụ ụlọ, ìhè ehihie, na ncheta obodo mepere emepe.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha

Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha, nnabata dị oke ugwu e nyere design ndị dị n'ọkwa kachasị elu, mara mma ma na-eju anya. Ndị meriri na Ọlaọcha bụ ọrụ na-egbu maramara nke ukwuu ma dị oke nzụlite nke na-egosi ọmarịcha ihe ọmụma, talent na nghọta nke ndị designer ha. A na-atụ anya na Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo ga-abụ ọrụ dị ịtụnanya, ihe nlereanya, nke dị oke ọrụ ma dị omimi n'ihe ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Ọlaọcha bụ ihe e mepụtara dị oke ịrịba ama, nke a na-eto nke na-erite uru ma na-ebuga oke nka, sayensị, design na teknụzụ n'ihu. Ascending Ground Ọ̀ba Akwụkwọ Obodo bụ ihe e kere eke ọtụtụ ndị na-ekwo ekworo ya nke na-akpali ọchịchọ, na-eweta mmetụta ọma ma na-akpali ịtụnanya.

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