Kontum Indochine Cafe, Vietnam, 2013.

Kontum Indochine Cafe by Vo Trong Nghia Architects
(Frearson, 2020)

The Kontum indochine cafe is located in Kontum city, Vietnam along the Dalba river. It was constructed in 2013 and designed by Vo Trong Nghia architects (VTN) . This structure was created with the intention of being an extension to the hotel complex on the same grounds. VTN were inspired by the silluhoette and material of the traditional bamboo and canvas fishing baskets in Vietnamese culture. A basket used by the vietnamese people over centuries as a way of feeding their families throught catching fish. They Replicated the shape of the baskets widening as it reaches the top. (Kontum Indochine Café / Vo Trong Nghia Architects, 2020)

Kontum Indochine Café,© Hiroyuki Oki
(Kontum Indochine Café / Vo Trong Nghia Architects, 2020)

Th structure of the cafe, and the strategically placed basket inspired pillars, accomodates airflow whie in effect banishing the need for artificial air conditioning which I see as a benefit to the cafe. It also can withstand the elements of Vietnam’s windy season.

Bamboo is the main material. It is highly versatile and can be used for the creation of furniture, utensils, flooring and much more. It is environmentally friendly, a strong material that rarely needs to be accompanied by steel. Bamboo grows three times faster than other plants making it a good quick supply material. (M., 2020).

In conclusion the use of bamboo is another example of a sustainable material used to create a unique structure.

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