Li Xiaodong Atelier 李晓东工作室

LiYuan Library

LIYUAN LIBRARY

Li Xiaodong Atelier

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

AREA
175.0 m²

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Beijing, China

CATEGORY
Library

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

Text description provided by architect.

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.

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.

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier
LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

On the other hand we wanted to use architecture to enhance the appreciation of the natural landscaping qualities.

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.

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier
LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

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 our intervention is modest in its outward expression. We can’t compete with nature’s splendor.

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier
LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

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 with the regional characteristics.

After analyzing the local material characteristics in the village we found large amounts of locally sourced wooden sticks piled around each house. The villagers gather these sticks all year round to fuel their cooking stoves.

Thus we decided to use this ordinary material in an extraordinary way, cladding the building in familiar textures in a way that is strikingly sensitive.

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier
LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier

The inside of the building has a very expressive character though; its interior is spatially diverse by using steps and small level changes to create distinct places.

It frames views towards the surrounding landscape and acts as an embracing shelter. The building is fully glazed to allow for a fully daylight space.

The wooden sticks temper the bright light and spread it evenly throughout the space to provide for a perfect reading ambience.

LiYuan Library
© Li Xiaodong Atelier


LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
Elevation
LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
Plan
LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
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LiYuan Library
Details

Li Xiaodong Atelier 李晓东工作室
T +86 10 62794237 M +86 13901009654
Li Xiaodong Atelier 李晓东工作室
Room401, New Building, School Of Architecture Tsinghua University Peking, China 100084 北京市清华大学建筑学院建筑新馆401