Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu in Wasichiy Kamay Competition Category.

QullqiWasichiy· 2026

Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu Winner in Wasichiy Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #181487

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi

Wuzhen ñawpa llaqtapi churasqa, Wichariq Pampaqa, kunan pacha ayllu qillqa wasinta hatun durasqa kaywanpas kicharisqa kaywanpas rimanakuyta maskan. Mosoqmanta ruwasqa uqi tika volumenkunaqa wasita kikin llaqtap yachayninpi takyachin, terrazakunaqa, pampakunaqa, llaqllasqa kicharikuykunaqa lluqlla kuyuriyta hinaspa qawanapaq marcomanta qawaykunata paqarichinku. Chawpipi achkikunawan huntʼa chʼusaq kayqa pachamamata hinaspa runakunap llamkayninta apamun, chaymi qillqa wasita patapatakunawan chʼusaq pampaman tikran, wasichakuyta, pʼunchaw achkita, hinaspa llaqtap yuyayninta tinkichispa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu

Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu mishak kan, ancha jatun yupaychay, kayta hanak, sumak shinallatak mancharina diseñukunaman kun. Qullqi mishak kashkakunaka ancha achikyaska shinallatak ancha mushuk ruraykunami, paykunata rurakkunapak yachayta, yuyayta shinallatak ushayta rikuchinku. Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi ruray yachak, ñawpak shinallatak mushuk yuyayta charik sumak rurashka kanata munanku. Kay Qullqi Premiu japishka diseñuka ancha riksishka shinallatak yupaychashka yuyay kan, arti, siensia, diseñu shinallatak tekinolojía ñawpak ñankunata kichuk. Ascending Ground Ayllu Qillqa Wasi achka runakunapak munashka rurashka kan, munayta kallarichin, alli yuyaykunata kun shinallatak mancharichin.

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