Demountable Timber Library Wins Accolades as Community Hub

The OBA Next Lab library and community space in Amsterdam has been designed as a public living room, featuring a unique demountable timber structure that can be easily reconfigured and relocated. According to the architects, Matter Makers, AWR, and BAZ Studio, the building is a response to a generational shift in how knowledge is shared, with a focus on creating a vibrant community hub.

## Design and Features The 1,175-square-metre timber structure features retractable walls, curtain dividers, and movable furniture, allowing it to be easily adapted for different events and activities. The building is constructed from 24 prefabricated, demountable units made of dry-fit panels, columns, and beams, raised on foundations of precast slabs to avoid the use of poured concrete.

## Sustainability and Community The design of the OBA Next Lab prioritizes sustainability and community interaction, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive space for visitors. The building features a double-height glazed atrium at its heart, with a multipurpose pastel-pink sitting hill that acts as seating for events or reading and extends out into the adjacent square. The use of repurposed photovoltaic cells on the sunken roof and the incorporation of planters and green spaces throughout the building also reflect the emphasis on sustainability.

## Comparison with Other Community Spaces The OBA Next Lab is not the only community space to feature innovative and sustainable design. Other recent examples include the timber Talas community centre in Helsinki by AOR Architects and the adaptable Becontree Estate community hub built by Assemble within a pair of dairy warehouses. While these projects share some similarities with the OBA Next Lab, each has its own unique features and design approach.

The OBA Next Lab is planned to have a seven-year lifespan, after which it will be dismantled and relocated, enabled by its modular timber structure. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, reflecting the changing needs of the community and the city. As a vibrant community hub, the OBA Next Lab has been praised for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability, providing a unique and welcoming space for knowledge sharing and social interaction.