plus office architects clads sustainable library completely with golden panels in belgium

plus office architects clads sustainable library in golden shimmering panels in belgium
all images by filip dujardin

in the woluwe-saint-pierre municipal in belgium, plus office architects have designed the country’s first passive house library. setting a new standard for environmentally and energy efficient public structures, the distinctive building is recognized by its shimmering gold cladding.  

the building is the first passive house library in belgium

the library operates as the front of a school campus, while linking the educational facilities to the neighborhood and its residents. seen from afar, the building nestles in-between a wooded area among a residential area. wrapped completely in golden metal panels, the design has historic references to the golden letters seen on old manuscripts dating back to the middle ages. the façade was chosen to reflect its surroundings while radiating a golden glow which is framed by its green context.

its golden façade references literature dating back to the middle ages

internally, the spatial organization follows a grid which has influenced the layout of shelving and even the rhythm of windows. promoted as a welcoming space for exchanging ideas and dialogue, the interiors have been kept neutral and functional – more modest than its exterior – with generous area and circulation due to the evolution of the relationship between technology and libraries.

the design stands out yet blends with the woodland surroundings

central to the plan is the patio garden that regulates the heat and daylight needed for building energy consumption and allows for outdoor reading. achieving the ‘passive house’ construction standard, the extremely low energy consumption is due to energy features such as the use of a heat pump, photovoltaic panels and heavy insulation.

the building stands out as a public program in the green garden district of the inner suburb

close-up of the golden metal paneling


the rhythm of the windows follows a grid reflecting the spacing of the shelving units


the interior wraps around a central courtyard

a courtyard lets visitors read outside

large windows invites natural light into the book areas