Book Mountain: MVDRV Unveils Massive Monument to Reading in the Netherlands

<a href="http://www.mvrdv.nl/#/news" target="_blank">MVRDV</a> just unveiled a massive mountain of books in the Netherlands that is set within a new eco housing development called Library quarter. The project was 10 years in the making, and it's designed to revive the center of Spijkenisse through smart, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/energy-efficiency">energy-efficient</a> urban design. Book Mountain is a monument to reading contained within a soaring glass pyramid that is visible throughout the city. Natural <a href="http://inhabitat.com/daylighting">lighting</a> and ventilation maintain a comfortable climate in the summer, while energy efficient radiant floor heating keeps it cozy in the winter.

<a href="http://www.mvrdv.nl/#/projects/230bookmountain" target="_blank">MVRDV's Book Mountain</a> is a new eco library that proudly stands in the heart of Spijkenisse and is surrounded by the old town and a new housing project.

In an area with 10% illiteracy, this new library is a monument to reading and its pyramid-shaped design will attract many new readers into its folds.

The building is crafted from brick and glass with a giant stepped mountain of books inside.

Library visitors will easily find inspiration within the space and have fun climbing around and exploring the collection.

The new facility has space for 15,000 books on shelves made from recycled flower pots. Book Mountain is encased in a pyramid of glass that infiltrates the space with tons of daylighting, but don't worry about UV damage to the books. Because of the amount of wear and tear on borrowed books, the ones that will be subjected to light the most, will likely need to be replaced regularly anyways.

During the summer, the space is kept comfortable with the help of wooden louvers to provide some shade and natural ventilation.

Heating in the winter is a provided with a radiant floor system and double glazing. The project also recycles grey water and stores it in a basin in the underground parking garage.

The library also contains a cafe, environmental education centre, a chess club, auditorium, meeting rooms, commercial offices and retail.

MVRDV also designed the Library Quarter adjacent to the library to provide new eco housing for the city. Inspired by traditional Dutch architecture and materials, the project provides 42 homes varying in size from studios to larger residences for families.