A small building in Hoi An, Vietnam featuring bamboo roofs thatched with coconut leaves beat out the much grander Halifax Central Library to win World Building 2015 in the civics and community category at an international architectural festival in Singapore.

Thirteen buildings from around the world were shortlisted in the category.

Just being nominated for an award at the World Architecture Festival was thrilling, library spokeswoman Kasia Morrison said Friday.

"The library was built through public consultation so it is an honour we all share."

The Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects collaborated with local architects Fowler Bauld & Mitchell on the design for the library located at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street.

Cam Thanh Community House, Hoi An, Vietnam. (World Architecture Festival)

The library is certainly a winner in its own community. It is used by at least 6,000 people every day, more than double the number projected.

Cam Thanh Community House located in Hoi An, Vietnam, with its unique roofs slanted to direct rainwater to planted courtyards, was designed to provide a hub for the local neighbourhood and an information centre for tourists.