Seashore Library, China, Vector Architects (Gong Dong)

Awards: Golden Pin Design Award (Taiwan), Commended for Blueprint Best Public Use Project Privately Funded

Image: Courtesy Vector Architects

What is one of the key items you would like when you're relaxing on the beach? A good book to read of course. And this library perched on the shores of Nandaihe in eastern China achieves just that.

Designed by Gong Dong of Vector Architects, Seashore Library has claimed the Taiwan Golden Pin Design Award for its impeccable design - clean lines set against a stunning ocean backdrop.

Image: Courtesy Vector Architects

The library was also commended in the Blueprint Awards for Best Public Use Project Privately Funded.

Vector Architects were assigned the task of providing a non-profit, quiet reading place for people who live in the Aranya community and children of fisherman of villages nearby.

Image: Courtesy Vector Architects

The library was completed in April 2015 following a 10 month building project. Some of the core challenges were making the structure earthquake proof, using strip foundations that sit 3m below the sand, and safe from the rising tide - the library is 75m from the water at low tide and just 45m at high tide.

Image: Courtesy Vector Architects