Atelier Deshaus transforms Jianhu water plant into Avant-Garde Library

Atelier Deshaus has given new life to an old water intake facility on Jianhu Lake in Keqiao, Shaoxing, turning it into a lively cultural hub. Built in 1992, the site featured six structures: a pump house, substation, admin office, staff quarters, intake dock, and loading dock. After a larger regional water plant opened in 2001, the facility fell into disuse until its renovation began in 2022, aimed at boosting rural revitalization and cultural tourism. Now, it houses a bookstore, café, exhibition space, observation pavilion, and boat dock, all connected by a sleek, flat-roofed corridor. The project, covering 830 m², was completed in 2024, with contributions from a talented design team and TJAD as the local design institute.