Sustainable Farm Hides A Secret Library Beneath Its Grounds

Kurkku Fields, a sustainable farm out in Chiba, Japan—just 30 minutes away from Tokyo—is holding a unique hideaway under its grounds: a secret library.
 
Well, it’s not so secret but it is hidden from view. Architect studio Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP designed the Underground Library, which rests under a grass knoll and is kept away from prying eyes, giving its occupants the ultimate area to rest and relax while on a day out. You might not think of a farm as the best place to ponder through poetry and philosophy, but it makes for a pleasant surprise after a day in the sun.

Its entryway is also hidden not to disturb its surroundings. But when visitors stumble upon it, they will be greeted with a warm and inviting place, with nooks and seating areas ripe for reading and reflection.
 
The secret area is home to floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and curved windows that look out onto the central courtyard. Its interior is bathed in natural timber and stone to marry the natural and industrial worlds together. Its wood beam ceiling twists at its center into an oculus to let even more natural life filter in. 

Adding the library to the landscape does not impede the farm’s irrigation and water system and allows for easy maintenance to be still carried out.
 
The Underground Library opened its doors on February 16, holding 3,000 books spanning 50 genres.
 
 
 
[via New Atlas and This Is Colossal, images via Kurkku Fields]