A grid of white concrete frames the alternating glass and timber walls of this library in a French village by Studio 02 Architectes .
Studio 02 Architectes designed the 450-square-metre library, named Mediatheque de Monterblanc, for a corner plot in the Brittany village of Monterblanc.
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Contrasting with the grey stone buildings of the village, the vibrant white concrete structure features large panels of glazing created to frame views of the surrounding architecture for those studying inside.
The library sits on leading of a low stone base that evens out the slope of the internet site, and which helps to integrate it amongst its far more traditional neighbours.
The structure is formed of two volumes – the tallest block at the front provides double-height ceilings over the library’s reading space, whilst the low-rise volume at the back houses a pc room and offices.
“A quiet and meditative space, the Monterblanc library gives a simple and accessible perspective into the history of its environs,” said the architects. “Its mosaic method offers large openings that offer a panorama more than the village.”
The architects liken the creating to a modern town hall, positioned invitingly at the centre of the neighborhood. Metal lettering suspended from their upper edges of the facade project a shadow of the centre’s name onto the white walls of the entrance porch.
Inside, the open-plan space is furnished with bright white bookcases that sit on a white floor beneath a ceiling patterned with a grid of perforations.
A collection of ochre-coloured armchairs with high, winged backs cluster in one corner of the library, facing out towards the village church.
White chairs sit about plectrum-shaped study tables that have pale wooden tops and green and white legs.
Little cubicles dispersed around the edge of the principal library space house offices, toilets and a children’s reading area.
On the floor of the children’s area are beanbags shaped like oversized cushions and brightly coloured book crates. A choice of matching lampshades hang from the dotted ceiling.
A glass wall faces out onto a paved courtyard with little circles of grass, which is hidden away at the rear of the building.
Photography is by Luc Boegly.
Project credits:
Project management: Commune de Monterblanc.
Assistant project management: EADM
Partners: Sio Cdlp Serdb
Site plan – 
Floor plan – 
Sections – 
Elevations –
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