Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Long Thanh, a vibrant town witnessing rapid development due to the construction of a major international airport, stands the Keeng Seafood Restaurant. Designed by BambuBuild and unveiled in 2023, this architectural marvel embodies the perfect fusion of innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Contextual Background
Long Thanh’s bustling atmosphere sets the stage for the Keeng Seafood Restaurant, a multifaceted complex boasting conference halls, private dining areas, and a bamboo hall. Situated strategically amidst the town’s burgeoning landscape, the restaurant stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance and environmental consciousness.
The Bamboo Hall: A Symbol of Elegance
At the heart of the complex lies the Bamboo Hall, characterized by its distinctive boat-shaped thatched roof supported by bamboo structures reminiscent of nipa palms—a nod to the region’s riverside flora. This architectural gem can accommodate up to 180 guests, seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Bamboo: A Versatile Building Material
Responding to the client’s mandate for eco-friendly and swift construction, BambuBuild leveraged bamboo as both a structural and decorative element. Renowned for its resilience, “solid bamboo” or “iron bamboo” was chosen for its robustness, capable of withstanding considerable loads. The adoption of hyperbolic paraboloid (hypars) surfaces further enhances structural integrity and visual allure.
Harnessing the Power of Hypars
The Bamboo Hall’s design revolves around hypars, utilized for both ceilings and columns. These doubly-curved surfaces, interlocked seamlessly, enable the creation of expansive overhanging roofs without the need for complex bending techniques. The marriage of bamboo poles and hypars epitomizes architectural ingenuity, achieving unparalleled stiffness and elegance.
Overcoming Challenges
While hypars offer structural efficiency, roofing with natural thatch posed a challenge due to their double curvature. To address this, trusses and purlins were added to create simple sloped roofs, enhancing structural stability while augmenting aesthetic appeal. The resultant two-layer structural roof epitomizes the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Keeng Seafood Restaurant stands as a testament to the immense potential of bamboo and hypars structures in sustainable construction. Beyond its architectural magnificence, it embodies a vision of a greener, more resilient future, where tradition meets innovation to create spaces that inspire, delight, and endure for generations to come.
