Designed as part of a hotel complex, vo trong nghia architects has developed ‘kontum indochine café’, a dining venue which can also function as an extension of the site’s banquet hall. Uniquely positioned at the gateway to the central vietnamese city of kontum, the project is defined by its bold use of bamboo which frames panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The structure is supported entirely with bamboo via 15 inversely shaped cone supports. The main café building features a simple and efficient program of space, establishing a sheltered, yet open volume which retains the qualities of outdoor occupation. each aspect opens out towards a shallow artificial lake, reinforcing the scheme’s relationship with the natural environment. The canopy is clad in fiber reinforced panels, partially exposing the ceiling and allowing natural light to pour into the center of the volume. from an environmental perspective, the water feature maximizes cool airflow inside the structure, ensuring that, even in the country’s tropical climate, no air conditioning is required.
