chiangmai life architects completes concentric bamboo school library with oculus in thailand

step inside the bamboo library by chiangmai life architects

Chiangmai Life Architects fuses natural, modern bamboo architecture with state-of-the-art engineering in the new Panyaden Secondary School Library in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The low-lying structure features an organic design typology centered on concentric circles and earthen adobe walls. Additionally, the school is topped by a reciprocal, two-tiered bamboo roof with an oculus skylight and supported by bamboo truss archways throughout the interior and exterior.

entrance to the library showing the two-layered bamboo roof and skylight | all images courtesy of Chiangmai Life Architects

an organic, concentric design language 

Chiangmai Living Architects’ design for the Panyaden International School’s library fosters a serene and inspiring atmosphere, combining traditional study spaces with tables and desks, as well as relaxed, lounge-like spaces for reading and studying. At the center of the rounded plan is a sunken pod with raised amphitheater seating, equipped with cushions and beanbags for comfortable seating and group discussions.

In line with the architects’ concentric approach, directly above is an oculus skylight streaming natural light and fresh air into the library. Further reinforcing this design language, the central pod is first flanked by small, built-in working tables and then by a bamboo archway that houses the main bookshelf section, radially oriented and integrating various study spaces. The library also includes two noise-insulated study rooms for group sessions and a small office for the librarian.

a two-layered roof

a natural earth structure with cooling + fresh air systems

Integrating the building into its environment, Chiangmai Life Architects use natural materials such as earthen adobe bricks for the walls and bamboo for the roof, trusses, and archways. Meanwhile, the team adopted a reciprocal design for the upper level of the double-layered roof with a skylight dome, with each structural bamboo culm supporting the next and therefore discarding the need for basic pillars.

The architects further equipped the Panyaden Secondary School Library with a state-of-the-art central cooling system and a filtered air mechanism that continuously pumps fresh oxygen from the outside. The filtering process enables a positive pressure indoors, creating an optimal climate for studying year-round.

central sunken pod for comfortable reading and group discussions

amphitheater raised seating

reciprocal bamboo roof with oculus recalling an ‘eye to the sky’

bamboo archway trusses

a bamboo arch frames the library entrance

Chiangmai Life Architects fuses natural, modern bamboo architecture with state-of-the-art engineering

project info:

name: Secondary School Library at Panyaden International School

location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
architects: Chiangmai Life Architects

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom