NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS uses agricultural netting to shade diners at vietnam restaurant

NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS has designed a restaurant in vietnam that allows diners to comfortably sit outside, despite the region’s intense heat and sun. located at the center of ho chi minh city, shade is provided through the use of netting that both softens direct sunlight and allows foliage and plants to grow more efficiently. made from polyethylene, the net was initially developed for agricultural purposes. however, thanks to its affordability, it now appears throughout the country’s urban areas.

all images by hiroyuki oki, courtesy of NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS

bordered by commercial buildings, french-style villas, and high-rise hotels, the restaurant offers views of its urban surroundings. NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS describes the rooftop typology as ‘both a transitional element in-between the building and the city, and a space still spared by efficiency objectives.’ the semi-transparent black screen is not only used as a device that creates shade below, but also as an overhead window that softens the glare of the bright sky and hot sun.

the design is inspired by the black glass used to observe a solar eclipse

the entire space, including the indoors, the terrace, and the garden, is connected by a variety of trees, plants, and shrubs, which are arranged around the restaurant’s furniture. the architects say that they didn’t design the space specifically as a restaurant, but more as a place where people can coexist with plants, and architecture can coexist with nature.

the agricultural netting is made from polyethylene

the design comprises four layers of screens: leaves, heat-reflecting film, foldable awning, and the net

humans, plants, building-interior and urban landscape exist in one space

the scheme includes plenty of trees, plants, and shrubs

the architects say that they didn’t design the space specifically as a restaurant

the design team sought to minimize the impact of direct sunlight

the agricultural net becomes a type of interior wallpaper

the illuminated plants remain visible after dark

the timber truss of the existing roof can be seen above the semi-transparent roof

the net changes its appearance in accordance with climatic conditions

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project info:

name: restaurant of shade
architects: NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS
completed: 2018
location: district 3, ho chi minh city, vietnam
floor area: 1,375 sqm / 14,800 sqf
photography: hiroyuki oki
architects in charge: shunri nishizawa, vũ ngọc tâm nhi
design team: đinh tất đạt
contractor: trung long company, toan dinh company
client: pizza 4P’s