Anshi Village in Yibin, Sichuan, is a typical rural settlement nestled against Nianpan Mountain. The village is characterized by pathways connecting scattered fields and ponds, interspersed with houses and trees, reflecting the charm of southern Sichuan. Situated at the crossroads of three roads in the village center, the Rural Bookstore occupies a site with a 4-meter elevation difference from the road. The building faces a rice-fish co-cultivation area and is backed by a gently sloping open landscape.
The original structure featured an L-shaped plan, consisting of a two-story main building and a single-story auxiliary wing. The main section served as the living quarters, while the auxiliary wing housed the kitchen and storage areas. Built with brick and concrete, the building is divided into independent rooms by load-bearing walls. A corridor runs along the second floor on the south side. The primary challenge in the redesign was to transform the small-scale residential spaces into open public reading areas while making minimal changes to the building’s shape, form, and height.
The design strategy involved connecting the first and second floors on the west side of the main building, adjacent to the landscape, while ensuring overall structural stability through reinforcements like columns and ring beams. Two large “trees” were integrated into the structure to support the new roof and create a distinctive reading environment. Inspired by He Louxuan’s approach, these tree-like structures dominate the interior space. Black steel components highlight the connections between wooden elements, while terrazzo flooring continues seamlessly with rounded column bases providing protection for the wooden supports. Lighting is subtly embedded, illuminating the roof trusses and structure through steel detailing. The internal wooden frame supports the entire roof and is intentionally separated from the lower structure to create a floating sensation. This intricate wooden framework is showcased behind glass, providing a contrast to the rugged brick and stone exterior.
A gentle, zigzagging ramp connects the road to the building’s front yard, guiding visitors in an engaging and natural manner. The landscaped terraces, with varied elevations between the ramps, blend the building harmoniously with the surrounding farmland. All materials are sourced locally, including red sandstone, and the construction employs local craftsmanship and techniques.
To optimize natural light for reading, the building features distinct reading spaces on its north and south sides. On the south side, seats face each other beside side windows to avoid direct sunlight. In contrast, the north side, free from direct sun exposure and offering scenic views, has seats facing the windows so readers can enjoy the hillside landscape. The west facade opens directly to mountain views through large glass surfaces that bring the outdoors inside. Exterior electric sunshade louvers dynamically respond to environmental changes, altering their expression as they open and close. The southern part of the original building has been transformed into a conference room, featuring a wooden frame above. A wide horizontal glass window on the west side frames panoramic views of Nianpan Mountain.
“Education is like a tree shaking another tree, a cloud pushing another cloud, one soul awakening another. I hope that under these two big trees in this public library, more children from the village will come to read, experience, communicate, and become part of the daily life of the community.”
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: FMD
Area: 240 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Qingshan Wu
Manufacturer: Fangyuan Intelligent Assembly
Lead Architect: Wang Jianfeng
Design Team: Wang Jianfeng, Nico Willy Leferink, Yang Yi, Wang Liu, Ma Yiting, Wang Rong
Structural Design: Xin Ruibin
Principal: Yibin Cuiping Agricultural Development Investment Co., Ltd
Construction Company: Yibin Sanding Construction Engineering Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Design: Zhicheng Jianke Design Co., Ltd
Lighting Design: Lumi Lighting
Landscape Design: Fengmao Architecture
Location: Yibin, Sichuan
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