The Red Cave

We perceive architectural forms built up in the uncertainty of human perception in the "society" - place we live. Each project is a response to its circumstances and context.
We receive projects with the requirement of creating a functional space suitable for training, regeneration, and relaxation. Customer request : the project is not oriented to "public", the project needs "privacy". The project caters to the training needs of both customers and individuals who need a unique practice.
Instead of trying to design a closed project with privacy. We are looking for an architectural form that is familiar with the human being of the society we live in - Vietnam.
We pursue the traditional architectural form - a metaphor about communal house in the village - "Đình". An architectural form, with a difference in functionality as well as the meaning of "privacy". The functional layers of privacy are set to be enhanced from the garden , ground floor (fitness + exercise), first floor (yoga) to terrace (home).
The tropical garden, we imagine strenuous training and looking at the garden, exercising in its most natural state. The garden is a stepping, going through a relaxed garden and getting started training … what if the garden wasn't just underground ?
Ground floor, the basic functional spaces are positioned on either side of the plan, and empty spaces are enlarged in the middle. The system of pillars surround the plan, emphasizing the layer that separates the space inside and outside in an "ambiguous" way. The space is built with a specific function, but can be used for many different functions, a frame of scene neutral, activated by the user. Mirrors increase the stimulation of activities and exercise in an endless, a continuous, fluid manner.
First floor, the space is used for yoga, at first we proposed a completely empty space, but required the space to be quiet and closed when needed. We decided to set up a "vague" box with wooden and glass walls. The corridor around the box was extended out into the garden, able to step on several rocks. We focused more on harnessing the light at the main seat (terrazzo circle-slab) , surrounded by the structural of slope roof, creating a dark space to absorb the focused light. Trees and water surface, light are combined to create a "tranquil" garden atmosphere.
The terrace, this floor set up for the host's enjoyment, and relaxation, where they can party, or relax after hours of practice with the other members. The kitchen and tea-room overlooks the surrounding landscape, low-rise houses, overlooking Saigon river. The garden is extended to the maximum, so that it can serve outdoor activities.
The overall structure of the project is the mix, combining architectural and natural elements, creating a special, impressive building from the external structure to the experience space inside. We are call the structure of convergence, the unity between people and architecture and nature.
Through intentionally-established layers of space buffers with direct and indirect zones separating the space into different components: light, materials, transitions, tranquility, heat, environment establishes a “tranquil “, peaceful, and familiar atmosphere of traditional East Asian architecture. Homogeneous materials inside and outside, erasing boundaries, only the subject and the atmosphere surrounding the subject establish the characteristics of the space according to the purpose of use and each activity that takes place.

Site area (sqm): 378 (100 %)
Construction area (sqm): 175 ( 46,3 % )
Total floor area (sqm): 525

Architect in charge: Ngo Viet Khanh Duy
Concept Design: 23o5studio team.
Interior Design: 23o5 studio team , Ha Duong Wood Workshop
Garden Design: Hoang Phi Landscape
Technical Design: 23o5 studio , Vu Thanh Sang
M&E Building: 23o5 studio team
Construction: 23o5 studio , Vu Thanh Sang
Lighting supplier: SAT Lighting
Sanitary equipment supplier: Toto
Photo : Hiroyuki Oki

The Red Cave by 23o5 Studio in Vietnam won the WA Award Cycle 37. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.