Dragonfly Retreat & Cafe was remodeled from an deserted mushroom-growing warehouse—every part was previous, worn, and forgotten by time. But, that very sense of desolation was what intrigued me. The whole southern face of the constructing opens towards a pristine hill, and simply past it, the ocean stretches extensive and free. It felt like the right setting to create a peaceable place of retreat—the place one may merely sit nonetheless and breathe deeply.
© Quang Dam
We stayed true to utilizing recycled supplies—rusty metal, the previous corrugated iron roof from the warehouse, reclaimed wooden, and used pallets. We stacked unfired bricks to create a rhythm that felt each easy and putting. Alongside reused metal and previous fibro panels, they fashioned the facade’s visible id. We additionally purchased again previous silkworm cocoons from native farmers to create sunshades over the porch. Every merchandise, worn and humble, carried a narrative. We spent a substantial amount of time listening, touching, and giving them new life.
© Quang Dam
As I started designing this challenge, reminiscences of my childhood stored returning. Like many kids raised in rural Vietnam, I’ve vivid reminiscences of summer time afternoons spent chasing dragonflies within the fields. So many sorts, so many colours—glistening underneath the solar. We laughed, we ran, we performed—it was a time of pure pleasure. The picture of the dragonfly has since lingered in my thoughts—delicate, free, and lively.
Floor Flooring Plan
This land has a local weather very like a “semi-desert”: harsh daylight, little rain. As soon as, the Champa kingdom flourished right here, forsaking historical towers constructed from baked earth bricks. Their deep terracotta tones mix with the crimson sand of the area, making a hauntingly stunning panorama.
© Quang Dam
With restricted data however honest intention, we tried to interweave items of our childhood reminiscences with once-glorious cultural symbols and the wild great thing about this semi-desert land. All of it got here collectively to type a vibrant place of retreat, the place each morning begins with a view towards a quiet fishing village and a pristine blue sea tucked beside an untouched hillside. On this place, we discovered our childhood once more—peaceable, harmless, and entire.
Challenge Information:
