Embracing Bamboo: The Keeng Seafood Restaurant by BambuBuild
Situated in the heart of Long Thanh, a bustling town experiencing rapid growth due to the construction of a major international airport, the Keeng Seafood Restaurant stands as a prominent landmark. Designed by BambuBuild, this restaurant complex encompasses conference halls, private dining areas, a kitchen, a restroom, and a distinctive bamboo hall that exudes charm and character.
Bamboo Hall: A Symbol of Innovation
At the heart of the complex lies the bamboo hall, distinguished by its gently curved boat-shaped thatched roof supported by bamboo structures reminiscent of nipa palms—a prevalent riverside plant in southern Vietnam. This architectural marvel serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant complex, embodying both elegance and environmental consciousness.
Integrating Tradition with Innovation
Responding to the owner’s vision of creating an iconic yet eco-friendly structure, BambuBuild turned to bamboo—an abundant and sustainable material in southern Vietnam. Leveraging the strength and versatility of “solid bamboo,” the architects employed hyperbolic paraboloid (hypars) surfaces for the roof structure, renowned for their exceptional stiffness and aesthetic appeal.
The Art of Bamboo Construction
The bamboo hall features a network of hypars used as ceilings and columns, intricately connected to form an overhanging roof reaching up to 4 meters at the gable. Despite the complexity of double curvature, the use of bamboo poles allows for straightforward construction, achieving remarkable stiffness and visual allure without the need for bending.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation
While the double curvature of hypars posed challenges for roofing with natural thatch, BambuBuild ingeniously added trusses and purlins to create simple sloped roofs, enhancing the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the ceiling. This innovative approach not only resolves technical hurdles but also elevates the bamboo hall’s architectural grandeur.
A Testament to Sustainable Construction
The Keeng Seafood Restaurant stands as a testament to the immense potential of bamboo and hypars structures in sustainable construction. As an epitome of innovation and eco-conscious design, this project exemplifies the harmonious integration of tradition and modernity, paving the way for a greener and more resilient built environment.