Naman Retreat Conference Hall, Vietnam – A Bamboo Landmark in Sustainable Architecture
🌿 Introduction
Recognized internationally, the project has become a landmark in bamboo architecture, proving that traditional materials can meet modern hospitality standards while promoting eco-friendly practices.
Naman Retreat Conference Hall, Vietnam – A Bamboo Landmark in Sustainable Architecture
- Location: Da Nang – Hoi An Highway, Vietnam
- Architect: Vo Trong Nghia Architects
- Project Type: Conference Hall / Resort Facility
- Completion: 2015
- Capacity: 300 people
- Built Area: Part of the 3.4-hectare Naman Retreat Resort
Tucked between Da Nang City and the ancient town of Hoi An, just 16 km from Da Nang International Airport, lies the acclaimed Naman Retreat Resort. Known for blending modern tropical design with eco-friendly materials, the resort spans 3.4 hectares, comprising 80 bungalows, 20 villas, and 6 VIP villas.
At the heart of this wellness destination is the Naman Retreat Conference Hall, designed by the globally celebrated Vo Trong Nghia Architects. More than just a functional event space, the hall stands as an architectural statement on sustainability, pushing the boundaries of bamboo as a modern building material.
The hall accommodates up to 300 people and is designed for conferences, cultural events, lectures, and concerts. Its rectangular form with a pitched roof is elevated by dramatic vaulted bamboo arches and a recessed glass façade, which doubles as a welcoming foyer.
🏛️ Design & Functionality
The Conference Hall serves as the first building that guests encounter when approaching the resort from the reception area. Positioned prominently, it immediately sets the tone of natural harmony and modern elegance.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests for conferences, cultural events, concerts, and lectures.
Layout:
A fully enclosed main hall.
An open-air corridor that doubles as a welcoming lobby/foyer.
Form: Rectangular structure with an asymmetrical pitched roof.
Signature Feature: Dramatic vaulted bamboo arches forming a striking façade.
The design ensures versatility—allowing the space to shift from business conferences to cultural performances without losing its tranquil retreat atmosphere.
🌾 Bamboo as the Structural Hero
Vo Trong Nghia is known worldwide for exploring bamboo as a structural and aesthetic material, and the Naman Retreat Conference Hall is one of his landmark works.
Bamboo Types Used:
Luong Bamboo – Chosen for its strength and durability, ideal for the straight vertical columns. It can reach up to 8 meters in height.
Tam Vong Bamboo – Selected for its flexibility, making it perfect for the curved arches that form the vaulted roof.
Structural Highlights:
13.5-meter span in the main hall.
4-meter span in the open corridor.
9.5-meter roof height.
Prefabricated bamboo frames assembled on-site, ensuring fast and precise construction.
By stepping back the glass façade into the structure, three bamboo arch frames are left exposed on the exterior—turning the entrance into an architectural gateway.
🌍 Sustainability & Efficiency
The decision to use bamboo was driven by both aesthetic and practical requirements:
Sustainability: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, widely available in Vietnam.
Affordability: Lower material and construction costs compared to steel or concrete.
Speed: Prefabrication of bamboo frames ensured quick assembly and reduced construction time.
Climate Responsiveness:
Open corridors and semi-outdoor spaces encourage natural ventilation.
Large glass panels maximize daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Bamboo’s natural insulating properties help regulate temperature.
The hall is a proof of concept that bamboo is not just for small pavilions or decorative use but can form large-scale, durable structures.
🏖️ Integration with Resort Experience
The Conference Hall is not a standalone facility—it is woven seamlessly into the wellness philosophy of Naman Retreat Resort.
The resort is designed to provide guests with mental and physical rejuvenation, offering:
Spa therapies inspired by Vietnamese traditions.
Yoga and meditation in green, open-air settings.
Beach and water sports.
Healthy organic dining experiences.
The bamboo architecture, combined with natural stone and lush greenery, reinforces the idea of healing through nature—not only in activities but in the very buildings guests inhabit.
✨ Architectural Significance
The Naman Retreat Conference Hall has been celebrated internationally for its bold use of bamboo in a modern hospitality project. Its significance lies in:
Proving bamboo’s capacity for large spans and high-roofed structures.
Setting a benchmark for sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia.
Showcasing Vietnam’s architectural innovation on the global stage.
Serving as both a functional venue and an architectural icon.
For builders, architects, and developers, the hall exemplifies how local materials + innovative design + modern functionality can converge into a timeless structure.