Located at the edge of Cuc Phuong, a forest at the foot of the mountains and diverse vegetation in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, the Vedana restaurant is part of the Vedana resort master plan. Vietnamese architectural firm VTN Architects (Vo Trong Nghia Architects) is responsible for both projects. The resort is designed to accommodate up to 1,350 guests in 135 villas, 5 condotels and 8 bungalows.
The restaurant, a large structure located in the center of the complex, is reserved for all-day dining but can be converted to accommodate larger events such as weddings, among others. The circular, three-gabled roof, measuring 1,050 square meters, is composed of two overlapping ring roofs and a third domed roof at the top, detached respectively by light strips. The largest radius measures approximately 18 meters, while the height of the structure reaches almost 16 meters, making it VTN Architects’ tallest bamboo structure to date. The stepped roof, inspired by traditional architecture, is formed by 36 modular frames that resemble a multi-level building, while they are on a single floor. The hostel is strategically positioned next to an artificial lake that functions as a natural air conditioner. Taking advantage of the water body is essential, considering the hot and humid summer weather in Cuc Phuong commune in particular and in northern Vietnam in general. In addition, the pond is also a huge reservoir to store rainwater and groundwater from the mountains. Subsequently, it is used for irrigation of all plants on the 16.4 hectare site, including some 15,000 flowering trees as part of the resort’s long-term plans. With this in mind, the building is situated in the middle of the resort’s ubiquitous flower forest, as well as the mountains and lake, even from the middle of the dormitory-like block. Thanks to the openness of the building, the interior space slowly rises to the exterior space via a third semi-exterior, creating a rich spatial experience for visitors. They can feel both inside and outside, as well as the interior of the bamboo architecture and the exterior consisting of the mountains and the lake.
