Architects’ Client of the Year 2026: Zheshui Village Committee
Zheshui Natural Library: Reading and Learning in the Landscape
The Zheshui Natural Library is located in the remote mountain village of Zheshui in Shanxi Province, in the Taihang Mountains of northern China. Set at an altitude of around 1,500–2,000 metres above sea level, it is integrated into the village’s existing stone wall. In this way, the library follows the natural topography and creates a place for reading and learning that is closely connected to its surroundings.
To minimise the impact on the landscape, the Zheshui Village Committee drew on local building traditions and materials. The village’s traditional houses, built against the rocks, provided the design inspiration. Together with LUO Studio, this approach led to a lightweight structure that responds to the conditions of the remote location.
An oversized wooden bookshelf forms a central element of the design. A grid of columns, glass blocks and a sloping roof complete the structure. Inside, a bright, spacious gallery opens up. Children can move freely, read and retreat to one of the rocks to browse through books. The library combines a sensitive approach to the landscape with a place for education and community interaction.
