Dezeen Magazine

French village library by Studio 02 Architectes presents a gridded facade of wood and glass

A grid of white concrete frames the alternating glass and timber walls of this library in a French village by Studio 02 Architectes (+ slideshow).

Mediatheque de Monterblanc 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.

Contrasting with the grey stone buildings of the village, the bright white concrete structure features large panels of glazing designed to frame views of the surrounding architecture for those studying inside.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

The library sits on top of a low stone base that evens out the slope of the site, and which helps to integrate it amongst its 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 room, while the low-rise volume at the back houses a computer room and offices.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

"A quiet and meditative space, the Monterblanc library offers a simple and accessible perspective into the history of its environs," said the architects. "Its mosaic system provides large openings that offer a panorama over the village."

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

The architects liken the building to a modern town hall, positioned invitingly at the centre of the community. 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.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

Inside, the open-plan space is furnished with bright white bookcases that sit on a white floor below a ceiling patterned with a grid of perforations.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

A collection of ochre-coloured armchairs with high, winged backs cluster in one corner of the library, facing out towards the village church.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

White chairs sit around plectrum-shaped study tables that have pale wooden tops and green and white legs.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

Small cubicles dispersed around the edge of the main library space house offices, toilets and a children's reading room.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

On the floor of the children's area are beanbags shaped like oversized cushions and brightly coloured book crates. A selection of matching lampshades hang from the dotted ceiling.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

A glass wall faces out onto a paved courtyard with small circles of grass, which is hidden away at the rear of the building.

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes

Photography is by Luc Boegly.


Project credits:

Project management: Commune de Monterblanc.
Assistant project management: EADM
Partners: Sio Cdlp Serdb

Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes
Site plan – click for larger image
Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes
Floor plan – click for larger image
Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes
Sections – click for larger image
Mediatheque de Monterblanc by Studio 02 Architectes
Elevations – click for larger image