h3o architects

The new library of Arenys de Mar is located in the former convent of Les Clarisses, a late 19th-century Modernista-style building listed as a heritage site. Situated on the last green remnant of the village’s agricultural past, the library has the potential to act as a connection between the river and the surrounding mountains. Respecting the existing U-shaped building, the project proposes an extension of the original volume with a large gabled photovoltaic roof that houses a series of fluid platforms opening to the surrounding landscape, allowing users to enjoy light and nature.
The library will include outdoor reading spaces on the ground floor and a large balcony on the first floor. The rest of the garden is integrated into the natural topography with a series of slopes that connect the surrounding neighborhoods at different levels. In front of the main façade, a large square will host all kinds of civic events, enhancing the library’s role as a community hub.
The project covers a total surface of 2,769.38 m² for the library and 2,862.23 m² of public outdoor space. Commissioned by the Ajuntament Arenys de Mar, the building is a public facility with a total budget of €4,620,916.67 + VAT and is under construction, with completion expected by mid-2026.