Mountains through mountains. Five bamboo and straw domes by Vo Trong Nghia

The Son La Ceremony Dome project by Vo Trong Nghia is located in Son La city, Vietnam, an ethnic highlands area. The site is surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation near the city center. As a part of the hospital complex designed by VTN architects – featuringa restaurant and a ceremonial hall – this building is designed to create a new amenity space for adaption of increasing guests beside the ceremonial hall.

This project applied bamboo to make five dome structures aiming to create another qualified space in the city. The skyline created by different height of domes was taken the inspiration from surrounding mountain line, this particular landscape and harmonized with the scenery. These spaces are multipurpose space for the local society to cerebrate an outdoor event such as parties and ceremonies also.

The pure bamboo structure is inspired by a traditional bamboo basket. The domes have double layered structure with a roof made of thatch. A skylight on the top of each dome allows natural lighting and natural ventilation. These domes are designed in a wooded landscape with a peaceful atmosphere. The trees will rise above the domes and will create a nice and shady environment in the next few years. A waterfall and a stream between the ceremonial halls and the domes create sound which provide a relax atmosphere.