organic balconies + playful pops of blue form environmentally friendly hotel in vietnam

turning to traditional architectural models and passive design techniques, D1 architectural studio has constructed the ‘le bouton’ hotel located in da nang, vietnam. the project seeks to challenge modern urbanization and newly established high-rise buildings that are unadapted to the regional context. with the help of local materials and artisans, the architects have formed an environmentally friendly structure showcasing interesting visual elements like volcano-like chimneys on the façade, and undulating inner balconies with playful pops of bright blue.

all images courtesy of D1 architectural studio

in regards to the recent hotel structures of the area, that install thick glass and heavy curtains to shield residents from the harsh sun and wind of the region, D1 architectural studio says they ‘neglect the wellbeing of occupants, since [they] rely heavily on air conditioning to regulate the temperature’. focusing on a green approach specifically adapted to the unique climate of the area, the design for ‘le bouton’ returns to traditional housing typology and uses durable materials that are capable of withstanding harsh conditions, while still entertaining the architects’ creativity, permitting negligible construction deviations, and emerging as an environmentally friendly solution.

for the finish of the building, D1 has used pebble wash and exposed aggregate sourcing from the nearby crafting village. this locally available material is cost-efficient, easy to maintain, yet strong enough to endure the scorching sun. for the interior, wooden furniture and whetstone are used extensively, with the artisans integrating local materials to breathe a sense of intimacy into the design. the vertical direction of the building is calculated carefully to take advantage of natural wind and thereby limit the use of air conditioning. the skylight does not only expand the view, take in natural light and circulate air flows, but also connects all spaces together. in this way, the hotel contributes towards energy saving and environmental protection.

the façade is accentuated with volcano-like chimneys rising from the bathtub of each guest room, and shooting straight through the roof, peeking up at visitors from the top of the building. in its entirety, the building features a series of elements that embody da nang’s natural beauty: the sand garden in the basement and the dry garden on the terrace. the garden, filled with natural marine sand, is designed as an exposed space that welcomes natural light; while the dry garden is modelled to be a miniature beach with light pillars that symbolize the mountains, sand and flora species of the central coast.

with this project, d1 architectural studio wishes to bring about a shift in the perception of architecture. sustainable architecture places the human experience at the centre. ‘the value of the project lies not in the bricks and steels that construct the building itself, but in the wellbeing and positive experience of the people living inside,’ share the architects. ‘green buildings are not where people simply exist in the dimensions of confining square boxes, but rather, where they can live, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of nature,’ they add.

project info:

name: hotel le bouton
architects: D1 architectural studio
location: da nang, vietnam

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom