Presenting our entry for The Gingerbread City 2022: Liquorice Library. This 4-storey waterfront library and café, supplied by its own rooftop gardens, is the gem of the Continental island. Residents here have to be prepared for extremes – baking hot summers and icy cold winters – and so Liquorice Library provides a haven for relaxation, reflection, and conversation.
Its molten qualities encourage exploration within its literary labyrinths, and breakout spaces frame moments of bright, colourful release into the central courtyard. Designed using CLT with glulam beams, the Library has a low-carbon diet. The combination of all-natural, locally sourced materials makes for a low upfront carbon footprint.
Protection from the extreme heat of summer is provided by offsetting continuous horizontal bands of timber bookshelves. The overhanging slabs and louvre system give protection against harmful UV rays, whilst allowing the building fabric to breathe, expand, and contract.
Like the smell of a good book we wanted the instantly recognisable flavour and fragrance of liquorice to greet the visitors to the Library. Every bit of decoration is liquorice, from the finest Danish Sambó Reykt Te trees to the classic liquorice allsorts furniture. The gingerbread itself is charcoal-infused, giving us the richest black biscuit in the City.
With 1,553 books, 120 log pavers, 84 gummy bear visitors, 62 diamond floor tiles, 26 trees, 17 black dahlias, 19 sofas, 13 tables, 6 squishy lounge chairs, and over 2 kg of gingerbread and glazing, the Liquorice Library was a monumental team effort.
Chief Librarian |
Joseph R. Goodwin |
Master Baker |
Lizzie Sharp |
Book Maker in Chief |
Jimena Arena |
3D Model Man |
Gianluca Malvestio |
Assistant Librarian |
Ricardo Mateu |
