Trace Architecture Office has designed a bookshop and a cantilevered cafe in between the walls of a long-abandoned house in rural China.

Xiadi Paddy Field Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde is located in the north side of Xiadi Village, Pingnan, Fujian, surrounded by paddy fields.

The building was an abandoned local residence, with three rammed-earth walls that remained intact and a few dilapidated courtyard walls.

Most part of the new construction is hidden inside the remnants of the old house, which gives the impression that nothing has been changed from the outside, demonstrating great respect for the history of the local area and the overall natural landscape of the village.

This project has been longlisted in the rebirth project category of Dezeen Awards 2020.

Architect: Trace Architecture Office
Project: Xiadi Paddy Field Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde
Read more: Trace Architecture Office