Havnvik wanted more than a place to borrow books. It wanted a living room for the whole town, open from seven in the morning until late. The building is one long timber hall under a folded roof; the folds pull daylight deep into the room in winter and give shade in the midnight sun.
Twelve glulam columns branch into the roof like trees. Between them, stepped seating becomes a stage for readings, school visits and the town council’s open meetings.
On the darkest days, the library is the brightest room in town.
Vatn Architects
