rintala eggertsson architects: library in thailand

library in thailand all photos by pasi aalto courtesy rintala eggertsson architects

sami rintala of rintala eggertsson architects lead a group of NTNU trondheim university (norway) architect students on a social project. they worked together to build a two storey library building for safe haven orphanage in ban tha song yan village, thailand near the burma border for 42 children ranging in different ages.

the task was to utilize local materials and building techniques to create a building that would solve the problems of education in the orphanage in the most practical way. at the same time, the design also worked with the surrounding environment, with research on natural ventilation systems and sunshades completed and incorporated into the building. the structure was built from natural lava stone from the site, concrete bricks, wood and bamboo. the lower level of the library houses the books and a computer area while the upper level is more for lounging, play and enjoying the books.

the project was organized by tyin tegnestue, trondheim, norway and NTNU teacher hans skotte.

the library built from concrete bricks, natural lava stone, wood and bamboo

back of the library

library in surrounding environment

long view of the interior

interior

steps also function as shelves

upper level interior