Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza in Igishushanyo cy'Ubwubatsi Competition Category.

IfezaUbwubatsi· 2026

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza Winner in Ubwubatsi Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango

Book Text: Riherereye mu mujyi wa kera wa Wuzhen, Ascending Ground rishakisha ikiganiro hagati y'ubudahungabana n'ubufunguke binyuze mu isomero ry'umuryango rigezweho. Imibumbe y'amatafari ahumanye y'amabara y'imvi yongera gukoreshwa ishimangira inyubako mu migenzo y'aho hantu, mu gihe ibibanza, amatafari, n'ibyuho byashushanyijwe bigenera kugenda gutembera no kureba bishimangiwe. Ahantu hari urumuri ruzuye hagati hashyiramo kamere n'ibikorwa by'imibereho, bihindura isomero ryo kuba ahantu hari uburyo butandukanye buhuza ubwubatsi, urumuri rw'umunsi, n'ibibukwa by'umujyi.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Ifeza, ishimwe ridasanzwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo byo ku rwego rwo hejuru, byiza kandi bikora ku mutima. Abegukanye Ifeza ni ibihangano by'ubuhanga bukomeye kandi bifite guhanga kwinshi, bigaragaza ubuhanga bwimbitse, impano n'ubushishozi bw'ababihanze. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango biteganyijwe ko izaba igihangano cy'icyitegererezo, gifite ubunyamwuga bukomeye n'udushya twimbitse. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Ifeza ni igihangano kizwi kandi gishimwa, gifasha kugura imbibi z'ubuhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Isomero ry'Umuryango ni igihangano benshi bifuza, gikangura ibyifuzo, gitanga amarangamutima meza kandi gitera igitangaza.

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