Architects: SEU-ARCH Art, Zen Architects
Area: 1600 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Arch-Exist, Zen Architects
Lead Architects: Zhijiang Yang, Yanlin Zhou
Design Team: Zheng Fu, Ganyan Du, Handan Duan, Guang Yang, Jijin Li, Mincan Zhou, Yu Bai, Junjing Qiu, Liang Li (structure), Xin Li (HVAC), Fei Ye (electricity), Haitao He (water supply and drainage), Lei Zhang (intelligence), Feiran Xie, Kejie Mao, Xiuning Yao
Collaborators: COD, GODEN
Clients: Librairie Avant-Garde, Kaiping Tanglou Govenment
City: Jiangmen
Country: China
The Grand Granary Bookstore, designed by SEU-ARCH Art and Zen Architects, repurposes a set of abandoned granaries in Tangkou Town, Kaiping City, into a vibrant cultural hub. Completed in 2023 for Librairie Avant-Garde, the project transforms seven granaries into a bookstore, gallery, cafe, and literary bell tower. The design preserves the area’s architectural heritage through careful repairs, modern installations, and sustainable strategies, establishing a unique rural destination in South China.
Located in the World Cultural Heritage Diaolou Group area of Guangdong Province, the renovated granaries now house Librairie Avant-Garde’s first rural bookstore in the region. Five of the granaries received roof repairs using traditional techniques to resolve leakage issues while maintaining their historical integrity. The transformation highlights the granaries’ historical significance and revitalizes their function within the local community.
The two structures on the north and south wings of the granaries were structurally unsound and replaced with a new cafe and a literary bell tower. A gallery was added on the west side to connect the granaries. Facing the village square, the east side retains its original entrance while a new main entrance was created on the west side, shaded by a large banyan tree. This dual-entry system enhances ventilation and accessibility.
Each granary spans approximately 165 square meters, with interior heights ranging from 6 to 8.4 meters. The design follows a two-tiered principle: the lower section is a bookshelf area capped at 2.4 meters for easy access, while the upper space features unique spatial installations. These installations provide lighting for the lower areas and evoke a sense of spirituality, with each granary incorporating a distinct design.
The new cafe, located where the dormitory was demolished, features a glass structure 8 meters high. Supported by thin steel columns shaped like umbrellas, the design fosters openness and creates the impression of sitting under trees. Coffee tables are arranged around these columns, blending function with nature-inspired aesthetics.
The 72-meter-long gallery acts as a cultural and creative sales area and an exhibition space. Constructed with a light steel structure, its roof is detached by 60 centimeters from the granary walls, forming an arc-shaped skylight that casts dynamic light and shadows without damaging the original architecture.
At the southernmost point, a 17-meter-tall literary bell tower reflects the regional identity of Diaolou. Inside, irregular black steel stairs spiral like a dragon, connecting varying levels and offering views of the square, granaries, and surrounding fields.
Except for the gallery, the granaries and cafe do not use suspended ceilings. Air conditioning units and pipelines are concealed in custom furniture and underground equipment corridors, preserving the minimalist interiors. This approach ensures the space’s functionality while emphasizing architectural purity.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Tangkou Town, Kaiping, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529361, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
