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By Zoya Photography: Courtesy a21studio The Tent is a small spa designed by a21studio and perched above a hot spring and mineral resort hill in Vietnam. The spa is partially enclosed within gabled walls, providing clients a beautiful view of the natural waters and the city below. While the low-hanging roof allows privacy, the partially enclosed structure keeps clients dry and cool in Vietnam’s tropical climate. The climate was, in fact, one of the major constraints faced by architects at a21studio. The Tent site is subjected to intense heat from the West throughout the year - one of the reasons that the 126 sq. m. site had been left untouched for several years. To overcome this obstacle, the architects visualized the roof as a heat barrier. They first ensured the spa was partially covered with a steep roof with thick thatch, which blocked direct sunlight, angled off rain and blended with the natural surrounding - and then designed a slope side on the West to trap the heat outside the structure. Multiple beams help the structure span across 11 m and elevate 2.3m - again allowing the guests to enjoy a good view of the natural landscape. The wooden beams and panels are covered with a waterproof layer of 30mm coconut leaves, which further shelter the structure within the forested area and gives the three-layered wood panel roof an aesthetic look. Besides basic construction material, local materials such as coconut leaves, dry-stacked stones, pieces of rocks, reinforced steel, a variety of tiles and multi-coloured textured glass are adopted to add “harmonic, organic and native feeling”. Inside the Tent, clients can enjoy a two-level experience. The upper floor is a private bedroom covered by antique wood frames and coloured glass. The bedroom is attached to a small dining area on the rocks and a net, installed in the middle of the void, adds an exotic appeal to the floor and a feeling of being suspended mid-air. On the floor below, an infinite mineral pool flanked by old wooden furniture gives the place a ‘relaxing’ appeal. A flight of stairs carved out of rock connects the two floors. The Tent is a skilful piece of architecture that harmoniously blends the spa resort’s creative roof structure with its natural surroundings. Click here to view images of the Tent on indiaartndesign.com
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contextual architecture. Spa, tent, gabled roof, natural habitat, infinity pool,
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