The project is a medium-rise development having 10 main levels including one basement. It accommodates two main blocks which are a public library and an indoor recreation centre. The public library block locates at the south side of the site and with 8 storeys of public library which includes entrance foyer with check-in/out counters, children’s library, young adult library, adult library, multi-media library, reference library, students’ study room, extension activity room, newspaper and periodicals area, computer and information centre, and associated offices. The indoor recreation centre locates at the north side of the site and with 5 storey high. It comprises one indoor swimming pool with 25x25m located, one main games arena, 4 multi-function rooms, children play room and associated offices.

Design Idea

The language takes its DNA from the nearby Chinese vernacular tradition of Ping Shan Heritage Trail. The concept is inspired by the Chinese traditional cabinet, a kind of multipurpose storage space for books, porcelain as well as bonsai. By incorporating terraces that mediate the outdoor and indoor environments, the design re-interprets these traditional elements in a contemporary way.

While the timber screens and steel lattices offer varying degrees of transparency and permeability, the Chinese bricks present the feeling of sturdiness and stability in contrast. In collaboration with the terraces interconnected by stairs at the periphery, they unite the internal functions three-dimensionally and maximize the multiple connections between these outdoor rooms.

Spatial Concept

The spatial concept of the Library is to carve out the building mass to create inter-connected atrium, courtyard and roof terrace at various levels to allow natural light to reach the lower floors of the 10-storeys building. Readers can step out into the outdoor rooms to enjoy their reading with cups of tea.

The essence of the Hong Kong conventional scissors staircases has been captured and developed in the building to construct an internal promenade to traverse through different sections of the building and create dialogues between the spaces and the visitors. The major circulation passage routes around the interlocking atrium and overlooks the courtyard, to reveal different scenes with varying degrees of tension as well as interaction.

Green and Sustainable Features

For the external envelope, the use of natural daylight is maximized by introduction of voids and skylights at various locations of the complex. Fairfaced concrete is employed for their environmental friendliness. The use of timber and metal screens serves as sunshading device and reduces the heat load of the complex without compromising the intake of natural daylight.

On the other hand, the soft landscape design of the complex is enhanced and maximized to provide a sustainable environment to the public. Sunken planters are introduced at different floor levels to bring natural landscape into the indoor environment. Green roofs and vertical greening system have been incorporated such that the natural appearance and texture is favorable and compatible with the surrounding environment.

For building services, solar collector panels are installed for pre-heating of hot water system. Heat recovery chillers are employed to reclaim energy for dehumidification, maintain pool water temperature and space air temperature. Energy efficient luminaires are also widely adopted in the entire development.