Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu by Hao Zhong

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu by Hao Zhong is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweZakhiwo, Isakhiwo kunye neMilo Competition Category.

IsilivereUyilo lweZakhiwo· 2026

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu

by Hao Zhong

Client: Hao Zhong

Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award Winner in Uyilo lweZakhiwo Category

13,752

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #181487

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu

Book Text: Imiselwe ngaphakathi kwesixeko esinembali iWuzhen, i-Ascending Ground iphonononga incoko phakathi kokuhlala unaphakade nokuvuleleka ngokusebenzisa ithala leencwadi loluntu langoku. Iivolumu zezitena ezingwevu eziphinda zasetyenziswa zibambelela kwisakhiwo kwisithethe sasekuhlaleni, ngeli lixa iiteres, iiplatfomu, kunye neenkalo eziqingqiweyo zivelisa intshukumo egqalisileyo kunye nemibono enesakhelo. Isikhewu esisembindini esizele kukukhanya sazisa indalo kunye nemisebenzi yentlalo, siguqula ithala leencwadi libe ngumzobo wendawo onezigaba ezininzi onxulumanisa uyilo lwezakhiwo, ukukhanya kwemini, kunye nenkumbulo yesixeko.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award

Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo ngokungaqhelekanga okunikwa imiyilo yomgangatho ophezulu, entle nechukumisayo. Abaphumeleleyo beSilivere ziimveliso ezikhazimlayo kakhulu nezidala kakhulu ezibonisa ubungcali obuphawulekayo, italente nobukrelekrele babayili bazo. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu iyathenjwa ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omhle womzekelo, onobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezinzulu. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award yimveliso ebonakalayo kakhulu, ethandwayo enceda kwaye inyusa imida yobugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha. Ascending Ground Primary Function: Ithala leeNcwadi loLuntu yimveliso enomona omkhulu kuyo evusa iinqwenelo, izisa iimvakalelo ezintle kwaye ivuselela ukumangaliswa nokumangala.

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