The siting and orientation of the buildings is informed by the Korean climate and the terrain is used to full advantage by sinking the building into the hill on the North thereby providing necessary insulation and sheltering, while allowing for the South to open up to views and much-needed solar radiation in winters. Natural lighting is maximized by a skylight that runs along the linear block that brings daylight deep into the building. High floor heights also ensure that daylighting is used to maximum effect. Radiant floor slabs bring heat in an efficient manner recalling the traditional Korean Ondol under-floor heating systems. A green roof on both buildings provides further insulation and can be accessed by visitors for unrestricted views of the beautiful natural and built landscapeof the Pyeongchang-dong region.
Despite the complexity of movement and building organisation, the structural system upon which the building has been planned is a regular grid of columns spaced 8.25 metres apart. This also continues down into the basement allowing for an efficient parking arrangement within this grid. The large span areas of the Library are achieved by a structural steel framing system that is supported upon and anchored onto the main concrete framed building. This allows the building to have a sense of lightness and larger spans where required.
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