layerscape by kientruc-o is a breath of fresh air in industrial vietnam

layerscape by kientruc-o is a breath of fresh air in industrial vietnam
all images courtesy of kientruc-o

the boundaries between man-made environments and nature, if done successfully, result in a simple, coherent symbiosis. ideally, one embraces the other, and vice versa. following this core principle, kientruc-o created ‘layerscape’, an office building that blurs the lines between interior and exterior; man and nature. the design is rooted deeply in the understanding of local architecture typology, using skillful composition of geometrical planes to create functional, positive spaces with views and access to greenery, sunlight, and the outside world. 

blurring the boundary between interior and exterior 

created for a steel manufacturer, the building is located in one of many homogenous industrial parks in da nang, vietnam. kientruc-o’s scheme intends to localize and break typical office stereotypes while reducing costs, fulfilling programmatic needs within a constrained site, and stay true to their driving principles. juxtaposed against the setting, ‘layerscape’ emerges not as a workplace but an escape. it filters noise, visual eyesores of the industrial park, and the constant hustling of laborers, leaving behind only one’s self and the serenity of nature.

transitions 

the building is wrapped with a system of perforated metal screens, glazing, and a buffer zone of plants to differentiate from the surrounding area. working spaces are organized as to facilitate a large indoor garden, and to allow various areas connected with a covered corridor. no clear boundaries exist between offices and nature, allowing anyone to establish a visual, physical, and emotional connection to the world. light, as well as rain, peers through punctures in the roof, helping to provide a sense of time via light and shadow. ‘layerscape’ appeals not only to the eyes, but also to other senses as well, resulting in a coherent symbiosis of man, and nature.

reception area

light cuts through spaces, creating a contrast between light and shadow

a covered corridor allows one to interact with the garden as they move from place to place 

dining room with skylight 

clear field of vision from inside to outside, outside to inside

nighttime illumination 

‘layerscape’ aims to recreate the office building typology, giving workers an escape rather than a prison 

rooms are organized to form a large indoor garden and pocket green space along the exterior 

the system stimulates coexistence between humans and the natural ecology

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom