The Sea Library in Awashima, Japan

The new library is housed in an existing heritage-classified building from the 1920’s located on the port’s sea front. ETAT’s refurbishment is designed to highlight the material and spatial qualities of the existing wooden building and to enhance it’s relationship to the sea. For new additions the predominant material is brass, which is used as wall surface, for fittings and for the 3,6 x 3,6 meters reading table .

The library is a regional development project in order to revitalise Awashima and the project is part of the art and architecture triennale Setouchi International Triennale 2013. The library was opened in early October 2013 and has since attracted more than 1000 visitors.