wNw Cafe / Vo Trong Nghia

Architects: Vo Trong Nghia
Location: Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
Completion: 2006
Project team: Minoru Sakata, Hisanori Ohara, Nguyen Hoa Hiep
Photographs: Dinh Thu Thuy, Hiroyuki Oki

We already published two projects by vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, the wNw Bar and the Bamboo Wing. Both of them showcased a correlation between modern architecture and nature, with heavy use of bamboo and wood. This new project follows the same line. It is well known that Vietnamese are familiar with bamboo. It isused for many different purposes, in constructions, asfinishing materials, hand crafts, in meals. In the wNw cafethe beauty of bamboo has been rediscovered – friendly but extraordinary. wNw cafe utilizes local and traditional architectural features to create an alternative/ escape from the chaotic surrounding city.

The project uses the principles of aerodynamic design.When designing the café,computer simulationsof the spaces were used to study the airflow and the cooling capacity of the water. These studies have allowed us to reduce the use of electrical energy such as air conditioning, lowering the buildings energy costs.

The whole building is constructed by 7,000 bambooelements which have been treated using traditional Vietnamese methods. The bamboo structure has no concrete columns, but uses wire bracing supports. The V-shaped roof relates to the surrounding trees and createsan open space with breathtaking views.

detail plan

The café is surrounded by artificial lakes. The lake brings the surroundings closer to the observer.At the first glance the lake gives the impression of being very deep, but is actually just knee high.It is the black stone and the curved bottom of the lake which givethe illusion of the depth.The guests enjoy their coffee andfeel like they are returningto nature and a peaceful life.