Drifting Island Resort is situated on a picturesque small island within the Cat Ba Islands, a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam. The resort accommodates up to 160 guests, primarily international visitors seeking a relaxing vacation. Access to the island is exclusively by boat, a scenic 2-hour journey from Haiphong Port. The resort invites guests to enjoy an unforgettable stay surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
The island boasts a private 3,000 square meter beach, bordered on one side by stunning mountains and on the other by an expansive stretch of white sand. The resort comprises five charming cottages, a restaurant, and a pavilion, all thoughtfully designed to immerse visitors in the natural surroundings.
Bamboo is the primary building material used throughout the resort. This eco-friendly material integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape and can be removed easily without disturbing the bay’s beauty. Elegantly positioned on the white sandy beach, the resort harmonizes with its environment, blending nature and architecture.
The bamboo roofs are topped with thatch, offering an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience while minimizing environmental impact. The bamboo strips, measuring just 40-50 millimeters in diameter, are joined together with bamboo nails and secured using ropes. These materials are sourced from a traditional craft village in Vietnam, where bamboo is treated naturally by soaking in mud and then smoking, preserving its durability and appearance.
The restaurant is designed with a hyperbolic paraboloid shell structure, creating a semi-outdoor space ideal for socializing and interaction. It consists of 13 bamboo units, each made of 80 straight bamboo poles, forming a rhythmic, wave-like ceiling and roof that enhances the overall aesthetic.
The accommodation includes five small cottages built from bamboo frame modules, each offering comfortable beds and ample space for guests. These modular frames are installed directly on the ground, which speeds up construction and enhances building techniques. The cottages feature traditional wooden blinds salvaged from Vietnamese colonial homes, adding a unique historical charm to their facades.
This bamboo-structured resort not only enhances the guest experience but also serves as an iconic landmark for the Cat Ba Islands, visible to many passing boats. Despite construction underway, the site remains largely undisturbed, preserving the natural environment thanks to the eco-friendly bamboo architecture. This reflects the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Design Drawings:
Master Plan
Elevation Drawing
Restaurant Elevation Drawing
(BIM training)
Hotel Profile Map
Project Information:
Architect: Wu Zhongyi Architectural Firm
Location: Langha Bay, Cat Sea, Haiphong Port, Vietnam
Category: Vacation Cottage
Chief Architects: Vo Trong Nghia, Takashi Niwa
Design Team: Nguyen Duc Trung, Nguyen Minh Khuong, Koji Yamamoto
Building Area: 1100.0 square meters
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Hiroyuki Oki
Client: Tung Long Trade Joint Stock (BIM Learning) Company
Bamboo Structure Architecture: VTN Architects
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