THE BREVITY OF BAMBOO
27 Apr 2017
Proving once again how economical bamboo is as a construction material, the ‘Son La Ceremonial Dome’ underway in Vietnam will house a hospital complex, restaurant and ceremonial hall.
Taking advantage of the abundance of bamboo located in the Vietnamese highlands, the Son la Ceremonial Dome is currently undergoing construction near Son la City. Once completed, the rural site will see a trio of schemes including a hospital complex, restaurant and the ceremonial hall all designed by VTN architects.
The scheme features five dome structures rising at different heights to echo the mountain line behind. VTN architects translated bamboo techniques taken from traditional basket weaving into the constructing of the domed structures. All of the roofs use a double-layered system which is padded with thatch and underneath, each will serve a specific purpose including a café, foyer attached to the ceremonial hall and a multipurpose hall.
The open-nature of each structure adapts to the tropical climate of the area and inside, a circular skylight tops the domed ceilings to invite natural light and natural ventilation into the spaces. The complex is scheduled for full completion in 2017.