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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Enhance a Community Library Experience

Authors:
Sijie Wang, Fan Ni, Bo Chen, Jianyu Ma
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facades Enhance a Community Library Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the library seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, creating an inviting space for community engagement and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
The library features charred wooden shingles, promoting both durability and fire resistance.
02
Natural light is maximized through large glass facades that create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
03
A bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while adding a unique aesthetic element.
04
The use of cross-laminated timber panels reduces carbon footprint and contributes to sustainability.
05
Outdoor terraces are integrated with the landscape, providing multifunctional spaces for community activities.
The Flying Dragon Library in Santai County, Sichuan Province, China, embodies a thoughtful blend of cultural significance and modern design principles. This architectural project serves not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a community hub, reflecting the rich heritage of the region through its innovative form and functional layout.

The design of the Flying Dragon Library draws directly from the symbolism associated with the dragon in Chinese culture, representing wisdom, power, and a connection to nature. The architectural project encapsulates these themes through its flowing lines and dynamic structure, which captures the essence of movement akin to a dragon in flight. This concept is visually evident in the library's cantilevered sections and sweeping contours, allowing it to rise gracefully from the landscape while encouraging interaction with the surrounding environment.

Functionally, the Flying Dragon Library is designed to support a diverse range of activities. It features reading rooms, meeting spaces, and areas dedicated for community events. These functional zones are integrated in a manner that promotes not just quiet study but also social engagement. The library reflects an understanding of contemporary educational needs, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where knowledge can be explored collaboratively or independently.

The project's materiality plays a crucial role in not only defining its aesthetic but also in providing structural integrity. Wood serves as the primary material, chosen for its warmth and accessibility. It forms the core of the library’s frame, symbolizing sustainability and inviting community interaction. Combined with steel elements that add strength and concrete foundations that ensure stability, the material choices reflect a careful consideration of both form and function, while also promoting ecological responsibility.

Large glass facades are instrumental in the design, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces while creating a continuous dialogue between the inside and the outside. This design approach not only enhances the mood within the library by minimizing reliance on artificial lighting but also encourages a sense of openness and connectivity with the scenic landscape. The thoughtful integration of landscaping features further complements the library’s architecture, with terraces and slopes designed to echo natural topography, providing outdoor spaces that can be utilized for both education and leisure.

Unique design aspects of the Flying Dragon Library lie in its innovative approach to architectural zoning and visitor experience. The multi-leveled layout encourages exploration, with each area distinct yet interconnected, allowing for a fluid experience as patrons move through the space. Acoustic considerations are evident in the design, with careful zoning achieved to facilitate quiet study environments while accommodating vibrant community activities.

By merging architectural ideas with cultural narratives, the Flying Dragon Library stands as a significant architectural project that embodies the values of its location while responding to modern realities. To gain a deeper understanding of the unique elements that contribute to its design, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs associated with the project. Each aspect of this library invites reflection on the intersection of architecture, culture, and community, showcasing how thoughtful design can enrich public spaces.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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