Architect Li Xiaodong has completed a library in China that’s covered in firewood. This project is a modest addition to the small village of Huairou on the outskirts of Beijing, just under a two hours drive from busy Beijing urban life. The Liyuan Library is a quiet, relaxing environment for literary study and entertainment. Its interior is bright, warm and airy, featuring multiple terraced levels and a high, naturally lit ceiling. 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. No matter the viewpoint, whether you’re sitting inside or viewing from a distance, the Liyuan Library is a remarkable work of architecture, one that could pass for a temple if it weren’t employed as a library.
