MAD Architecture, led by Ma Yansong, has unveiled the design for the “Cloud Cave Library” in Haikou. This integrated white structure resembles a multidimensional space-time tunnel, bridging the city with the coastline, and blurring the lines between reality and imagination. Serving as a public space, it functions both as a library and a coastal trail station where visitors can read, relax, and enjoy the sea views. The surrounding area is designed to host medium-sized outdoor performances and concerts. Currently under construction, the building is scheduled for completion in 2021.
Haikou, a vital island city in southern China, was historically an important stop on the Maritime Silk Road. With the development of Hainan International Tourism Island and the Hainan Free Trade Zone, Haikou’s global influence continues to grow. The “Cloud Cave Library” is situated in Century Park along Haikou Bay, facing the South China Sea. It represents a key landmark in Haikou’s coastal public space initiative. Several world-renowned architects have contributed to the design of Haikou’s coastal station, with the Cloud Cave Library serving as the project’s starting point.
Location of the Venue
△ Site Overview
The building is constructed using a single pour of white concrete, seamlessly blending interior and exterior spaces to create multiple semi-outdoor areas and platforms. The building’s curving concrete walls serve not only as organic architectural elements but also as connectors between different spaces, merging walls, floors, and ceilings into one cohesive form. Various sized openings act as natural “breathing” ports, allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. The shaded corridor wrapping around the building provides ventilation and respite from Haikou’s hot climate, inviting passersby to pause and enjoy the sea view.
△ Model 1
△ Model 2
The interior of the “Cloud Cave Library” is divided into two main sections. The 690-square-meter reading area can house tens of thousands of books and includes a coffee shop, reading zones, and a rooftop terrace. The public service section covers approximately 300 square meters and features naturally lit and ventilated restrooms and showers, drinking water stations, and bicycle parking.
The building’s construction utilizes CNC templates for the overall concrete pouring, with 3D-printed molds used locally to meet the precision demands of the complex curved concrete walls. All mechanical and electrical pipelines are concealed within the concrete cavity, minimizing visual clutter. The glass curtain wall features operable panels and curved sliding doors, enhancing sea views and natural ventilation. To adapt to Haikou’s hot climate, the building’s sun-facing eaves use a cantilever design that provides physical shading, reduces heat gain, and promotes sustainable energy efficiency.
△ Analysis Diagrams
△ Physical Model
△ Physical Model
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Cloud Cave Library
Location: Haikou, China
Project Duration: 2019–2021
Site Area: 4,397 square meters
Building Area: 1,380 square meters
Lead Partners: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano
Deputy Chief Partner: Fu Changrui
Design Team: Qiang Siyang, Sun Feifei, Dayie Wu, Shang Li, Alan Rodríguez Carrillo, Jie Qilin
Owner: Haikou Tourism Culture Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd.
Engineering Design Contractor: East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Curtain Wall Consultant: Alpha Architectural Design Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Construction Contractor: Beijing Yihuida Qingshui Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Rendering Production: SAN
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