VTN architects' bamboo castaway island resort under construction in vietnam

VTN architects (formerly vo trong nghia architects) have released images of their ‘castaway island resort’ project which is currently under construction on the island of hai phong in vietnam. only reachable by boat, the tropical and off-the-beaten track location is an unspoilt backdrop for the series of five huts, a restaurant and a pavilion.

a completion date for the VTN architects-designed resort is scheduled for summer 2017 and once finished, the private beach will offer the experience of immersing guests in island life. the use of bamboo is demonstrated through the thatched, curving roof constructed from ‘tam vong’ bamboo. using traditional vietnamese methods such as soaking the bamboo in mud and then being smoked, this thin construction material only measures at 40-50mm in diameter and is tied together with rope. each of the 13 bamboo shell units are composed of 80 straight bamboos, creating an undulating and rhythmical roof landscape.

despite the isolated location, the island is seen by the frequent boats cruising past each day. the recycled timber shutters will be used for the huts’ façade –a nod to colonial huts in vietnam– and in turn, the resort will form a new landmark along the beach. further along, bamboo is continued in the structure of the hyperbolic-paraboloid shell belonging to the restaurant. this indoor-outdoor space offers an area to enjoy the ocean and interaction with guests. these large structures are being assembled from the ground up and in location to increase efficiency and improve workmanship.