LiYuan Library Beijing, Huairou Architecture, Jiaojiehe village, China, Architect, Design
LiYuan Library, Beijing : Huairou Building
Chinese Building – design by Li Xiadong/Atelier
7 May 2018 larger photos added
LiYuan Library Building
Library Building in Jiaojiehe village
Design: Li Xiadong/Atelier
This project is modest addition to the small village of Huairou on the outskirts of Beijing, just under a two hours drive from busy Beijing urban life. It was a category winner for Culture in the WAF Awards 2012.
On the one hand it forms a modern programmatic complement to the village by adding a small library and reading space within a setting of quiet contemplation. On the other hand we wanted to use architecture to enhance the appreciation of the natural landscaping qualities.
photographs from architects
So instead of adding a new building inside the village center, we chose this particular site in the nearby mountains, a pleasant five minute walk from the village center. In doing so we could provide a setting of clear thoughts when one consciously takes the effort to head for the reading room.

Because of the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding nature the intervention by architects Li Xiadong/Atelier is modest in its outward expression. We can?t compete with nature?s splendor. The building blends into the landscape through the delicate choice of materials and the careful placement of the building volume. Especially the choice of material is crucial in blending wit...