Lam Café: nomen est omen

In Vietnamese, “lam” means “crack” or “shutter”, alluding to the fact that the construction is made primarily out of strips of bamboo set side by side, making up not only the façade but the interior walls and used as an integral part of the building’s structure.

This construction method is well-suited to the climate of the famous resort town of Nha Trang (where the average annual temperature is 27°C) and the client’s demand for quick construction of the Café.

The interior is pleasantly naturally ventilated by air entering through the cracks between the bamboo strips. Natural light comes in the same way, creating soft lighting in the interior and therefore the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, ensuring privacy despite the openings in the walls.

A number of structural elements are made of hollow brick, also locally made, underlining the play of light and shadow, especially at night when the light inside lights up the building like a lantern.

The roof of the building stands out in this residential neighbourhood, establishing a good link with its surroundings with its ethereal presence. Its shape recalls the coconut leaf, the main material of its weave, consisting of three layers: the coconut leaves are laid over a bamboo frame and covered with fishing nets.

In the future a green roof will be planted to further improve the carbon footprint of this project, which draws exclusively on local resources and materials.

In addition to the LAM Café, the Vietnamese architectural studio a21 also built the “iResort” complex in Nha Trang (see news article http://www.floornature.com/blog/andldquoi-resortandrdquo---in-contact-with-nature-and-its-methods--7712/), also based on the principles of skilfully combining traditional Vietnamese architecture with innovative use of spaces and structures.


Design: a21 studio (Nguyen Hoa Hiep, Nguyen Qui Nhon), http://www.a21studio.com.vn/
Location: Nha Trang, Vietnam
Year: 2011
Photographs: Hioyukioki
Related links: http://www.floornature.com/blog/andldquoi-resortandrdquo---in-contact-with-nature-and-its-methods--7712/