Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Nyumba, Zomanga ndi Zomangidwa Competition Category.
SilivaZomangamanga· 2026
Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi
by Hao Zhong
Client: Hao Zhong
Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award Winner in Zomangamanga Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi
Book Text: Yokhazikitsidwa mu tauni yakale ya Wuzhen, Ascending Ground imafufuza za kukambirana pakati pa kukhalitsa ndi kutseguka kudzera mu laibulale yamakono ya anthu ammudzi. Zomangamanga za njerwa zofiirira zobwezeretsedwanso zimakhazikitsa nyumbayo mu mwambo wa komweko, pomwe materasi, mapulatifomu, ndi mabowo osemedwa zimapanga kayendetsedwe ka madzi ndi maonekedwe okhala mu chimango. Malo apakati odzaza ndi kuwala amabweretsa chilengedwe ndi zochitika za anthu, kusintha laibulaleyo kukhala malo a zigawo zambiri zomwe zimagwirizanitsa zomangamanga, kuwala kwa masana, ndi kukumbukira kwa mzinda.
The Recognition
About the Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award
Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka modabwitsa komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe a pamwamba, okongola ndi ochititsa chidwi. Opambana a Siliva ndi ntchito zowala kwambiri ndi zolenga kwambiri zomwe zimaonetsa ukatswiri, luso ndi nzeru zakuthwa za opanga awo. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi akuyembekezeka kukhala ntchito yodabwitsa yoonetsedwa, yaukatswiri wapadera ndi yatsopano kwambiri. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award awa ndi chopangidwa chodziwika kwambiri ndi choyamikiridwa chomwe chimapindulitsa ndi kukulitsa malire a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Laibulale ya Anthu Ammudzi ndi cholengedwa chomwe anthu ambiri amachichitira nsanje, chomwe chimadzutsa zilakolako, kubweretsa maganizo abwino ndi kuyatsa kudabwa ndi chidwi.
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
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