1st Place | 2023 Lars Lerup Award | One Roof Library - A Tiny Library

The library is situated in a remote indigenous village in Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia. Bario is the main village for the Kelabit people, an indigenous minority group in Malaysia, and has a population size of around a 1000 living in this village. Perched at 3500 ft above sea level, surrounded by tropical rainforest, reaching this village requires a flight from the nearest town or a 16-hour journey on a dirt road. Due to its isolation, the village faces limited resources and opportunities.

The Kelabit people primarily rely on paddy farming and are known for their famous Bario rice. Planted amidst the paddy fields, the library offers shade for farmers to rest and read after working in the fields. While waiting for their rice grains to dry, which requires mixing every 30 minutes, farmers can step in the library and enjoy a book.

The library draws inspiration from the local vernacular architecture of the Longhouse, also known as a ‘village under one roof’. Hence, the library serves as a learning place not just for farmers but for the other villagers. The rich culture and language of the Kelabit community face a threat as many young Kelabits migrate out of the village, leading to the classification of their language as endangered by UNESCO. Consequently, the library's mission extends beyond educating the older generation to preserving the Kelabit language and traditions for the younger children.

*Honourable Mentions in TINY LIBRARY 2023 Architecture Competition

Vimeo Link : https://vimeo.com/841372633