Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia has created another of his trademark sculptural bamboo buildings, this time for a rural restaurant in north Vietnam.

Located 30km from the capital Hanoi, the curving Roc Von restaurant is formed of 12 huge bamboo columns which spread upwards, creating a canopy that covers a 6,560sq m semi-outdoor dining area.

Roc Von, which is owned by development company La Vong Group, is designed as a mid-point for people travelling between Hanoi and the province of Hoa Binh. The bamboo arches protect guests from the busy road, and a natural lake has been added to create a sense of tranquility, cool the restaurant and frame a central space for performances and events.

“For the bamboo columns we have used two different bamboo species – Tam Vong and Luong,” said Nghia. “Each of them provides different material qualities which are crucial for the building structure. The bamboo has been treated by Vietnamese traditional methods to ensure the high quality and long-term durability of the material.

“The building provides a space where guests can feel a strong connection to the local culture of North Vietnam. The application of an open space and usage of natural materials create this connection.”

Nghia is best known for his innovative work in Vietnam with bamboo, and last year he unveiled a bamboo bar, restaurant and events space for a wellness resort in the coastal city of Da Nang.

Bamboo is seeing a resurgence in popularity as a building material due to its lightness, strength and fast growth. An article on how architects across the world are using bamboo to remarkable effect is featured in the latest issue of CLADmag.

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