Our proposal for the #Library competition in Berrioplano—awarded second prize—positions a single-floor public facility at the threshold between urban fabric and the Park—a deliberate architectural gesture that prioritizes accessibility, human scale, and environmental integration.

Designed entirely on a single floor, the library is organized into three volumes that reduce the building’s scale and establish a fluid dialogue with the Park of Aromas, consolidating the urban edge while opening to the natural environment.

 

This proposal seeks to create a space where comfort, energy efficiency, and people’s health guide every design decision.

The materiality and bioclimatic design define the spatial experience of the building. The laminated wood frame structure, wooden windows, and wooden cladding create warm and welcoming spaces that optimize natural light and acoustic comfort. The project incorporates the five Passivhaus principles—continuous thermal insulation, high-efficiency windows, controlled mechanical ventilation, airtightness, and elimination of thermal bridges—alongside passive shading strategies that mitigate overheating during warm months. Rooftop photovoltaic systems produce 100% renewable energy, helping to reduce the building’s energy consumption.

 

The use of natural and durable materials reinforces our commitment to sustainability and user well-being.

Access is through a covered porch that shelters the entrance and bicycle parking area, leading to an open-plan space oriented north that functions as a gathering place with views of the Park of Aromas. Flexible furniture and partitions allow spaces to adapt to different programmed activities, encouraging versatility and dynamic use throughout the library. The multipurpose room is conceived as a distinctive and recognizable element from the exterior, an urban landmark associated with promoting local culture.

 

The youth and children’s areas offer adaptable environments connected with nature, specifically designed to promote interest in reading and active participation. The reading and work spaces maintain a direct connection with the natural landscape, maximizing northern natural light and park views.

This constant relationship with the surroundings enhances the user experience and creates a welcoming and functional library where architecture responds to the needs of both people and environment, establishing a new benchmark for public facilities in Berrioplano.