Housing a growing collection of nearly 8 million books, magazines and newspapers, the construction of the KB National Library of the Netherlands new repository represents an endeavour of truly Babylonian proportions. This remarkable structure serves as both an unimaginable treasure chamber and time machine. Far more than a simple storage facility, it stands as a significant cultural landmark. A building that must withstand time to safeguard its contents and pass them on to future generations.

Located on the border of Delft and Midden-Delfland, the book repository will be situated in an emerging urban landscape. The building positions itself explicitly as part of this. The proportions of the facade align with the heights of the surrounding residential buildings, without making the building appear smaller than it is. The landscape design follows the surrounding creek landscape of water and reed beds, enhances water management and biodiversity, and contributes to a climate-adaptive environment.

The book repository consists of two parts: the repository itself and the front building. The passively climatise-controlled repository is equipped with a robotic logistics system and an oxygen reduction system to minimise fire risks. The front building houses all supporting and logistical functions and various specialist storage areas. Collection items will be transported regularly to the public building and made available there.

The facade of the book archive reflects the contents of the building in an associative manner. The mass and curvature of an open book, the tactility of paper and the relief of printing are expressed in a contemporary facade, giving the building a recognisable character. Large openings in the façade form inviting windows to the city and its residents. A building that protects its contents whilst simultaneously having a welcoming appearance and being part of the developing city.