The Xixi Goldmye Bookstore in Hangzhou transforms a 20-year-old, forgotten office into a radiant public library perched above the Xixi National Wetland. Atelier Wen’Arch stripped the original structure to its concrete columns, rebuilding it as an open, U-shaped pavilion that appears to hover over the water. Cantilevered laminated pine “book beams” bring warmth, structure, and integrated lighting while allowing natural ventilation.

A sculptural “Book Tower” stacks intimate reading mezzanines around a steel grid, offering vertical nooks with views. On the opposite side, a waterside pavilion with stepped seating extends into the wetland, blurring the line between interior and landscape. Large glazing and deep eaves flood the interior with daylight, creating a contemplative environment where the sky, water, and books meet. The design transforms the site into a cultural landmark that celebrates both literature and its natural surroundings.

Image Credit: Atelier Wen’Arch