Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Sëlwer in Architektur, Gebai an Strukturdesign Competition Category.

SëlwerArchitektur· 2026

Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award an Sëlwer Winner in Architektur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik

Am historeschen Uertschaft Wuzhen geleeën, erfuerscht Ascending Ground en Dialog tëscht Permanenz an Offenheet duerch eng zäitgenëssesch Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik. Recycléiert gro Zillvolumen verankeren d'Gebai an der lokaler Traditioun, wärend Terrassen, Plattformen an erausgeschniddene Ouverturen e flëssegt Bewege a gerummte Vue erstellen. En zentralen, mat Liicht gefëllten Eidelraum bréngt Natur a sozial Aktivitéit eran an transforméiert d'Bibliothéik an eng geschichtet raimlech Landschaft, déi Architektur, Dagesliicht an urban Erënnerung verbënnt.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Sëlwer

Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Sëlwer, enger aussergewéinlech prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un Designe vun der héchster Qualitéit, prächteg a beandrockend vergi gëtt. Sëlwer-Gewënner si bemierkenswäert brillant a ganz kreativ Wierker, déi d'erausragend Expertise, d'Talent an d'Schaarfsënnegkeet vun hire Designer weisen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik e wonnerbart, mustergëlteg, bemierkenswäert professionellt an déif innovatiivt Wierk ass. Dëst mam Sëlwer ausgezeechent Design ass eng bemierkenswäert, bewonnert Erfindung, déi dozou bäidréit, d'Grenze vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie ze erweideren. Ascending Ground Gemeinschaftsbibliothéik ass eng Kreatioun, op déi vill neidesch sinn, déi Wënsch erweckt, positiv Gefiller bréngt an Erstaunen a Wonner erweckt.

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