“A silent ode to the beauty of existence, portraying the sublime interplay of light and shadow that dances within the human soul. It is an invitation to wander through the corridors of one’s own soul, amidst the rain of introspection and the elusive sunsets of desires.”

Ho Viet Vinh

Nestled quietly under the canopy of the coconut forest swaying in the gentle breeze, the simple house comes into existence thanks to the reflections of the dawn sunlight. The house has a simple modern look, inheriting the shape of a traditional house with 3 compartments and 2 wings, with a large veranda surrounding it. The veranda is a transitional space and acts as a climate regulator for the whole house. Not only that, but it is also a place where countless activities connect people with the surrounding open space. The rooms all open to the garden and the doorways pull the garden into its deepest recesses. The nuanced transitions of time and space also take place in the cut of this patio.

Solid and rough are the emotions of BaoLoc. Spatial topography consists of interlaced hills, layers hidden under layers of cold pine forests. In that autumn silence, the clouds are the witch who transforms to soften the rough, dry and cold.

CLOUD
Following the wind, the stream flows in all directions,
The foggy road is dotted with flying dew drops.
Love is drunk at night in dreams,
Filled with the call of the human realm.

Vinhho.2022

“A delicate symphony of muted hues pirouettes in the ever-changing light. Its dance mirroring the soul’s ebb and flow, serving as a melancholic ode to time’s fleeting passage and life’s ephemeral beauty: a poignant reflection of existential drift.”

Ho Viet Vinh

“Artists dismiss me as an architect, so I am not in their box, and architects dismiss me as an artist, so I’m not in their box. I don’t know whose box I’m in, and I don’t really care.”
Frank O Gehry

“The beauty of the four seasons helped him heal his mind and heart from the wounds of war. The peaceful and wholesome atmosphere of the campus helped him have many deep insights, flowers, and fruits of the practice. Perhaps that is why Thay always remind us that nature can help us heal ourselves.”

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh – [At home in the World]

Location:
Tan Binh commune, Nhu Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Size:
1,53 hectares
Services:
Master plan, Architecture and Interior design
Status:
Approved Master plan at scale 1/500, 2024
Under construction.
Team:
HVV Architect & Partners

Intro

As our society advances and technology continues to evolve, our quality of life has seen remarkable improvements. Yet, the desire for relaxation, tranquility, and a deeper connection with oneself has become a fundamental part of our daily existence. This need is increasingly pressing, given the rising prevalence of mental health challenges like stress and anxiety.
The relentless pace of modern life, combined with the pressures of work, often leads to heightened stress, anxiety, and various mental health concerns. Taking a moment to pause and breathe can offer us a valuable chance to reconnect with nature and reflect on ourselves. Nature holds a profound healing power: when our minds are no longer disrupted by the constant noise of traffic, when our emotions are no longer constrained by concrete jungles, and when we can breathe clean, unpolluted air, we experience true inner peace. Immersed in nature, we rediscover the serenity that lies within our souls.
Thus, creating a meditation retreat that harmonizes with nature is essential. This sanctuary will offer a tranquil haven where individuals can find solace, cultivate mindfulness, practice meditation, heal their souls, and share positive values with the world.

Site location

Tue Giac Zen Monastery is located northwest of Song Muc Lake – in Ben En National Park, Tan Binh Commune, Nhu Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province; The distance from this area to Tho Xuan airport is about 143374ft along National route 15.

The planned research area features a convergence of hillside topographical elements, with valleys and lakes nestled below. It is a location that boasts pristine natural landscapes. Furthermore, the terrain’s structure and geomorphology provide many sites with expansive, diverse, and breathtaking views.

Design principles

Master plan

To create a space for returning, studying, and practicing the teachings of Buddhism, cultivating virtue, and enhancing moral awareness. A place that offers a harmonious environment with nature, where individuals can engage in meditation, seek enlightenment, and liberate themselves from the afflictions and suffering of life.

The architectural layout harmonizes seamlessly with the natural terrain, incorporating a variety of structures within distinct spaces to create visual appeal. The pagoda, meditation hall, main hall, guest house, and dining hall are arranged in a descending terraced formation. The design employs overlapping and rhythmic elements, offering dynamic perspectives from different viewpoints and highlighting the surrounding natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and cliffs. The architecture, landscape, and on-site activities are interwoven in a cohesive and fluid manner.

Inviting a contemplation of the divine within the mundane, a glimpse into the aura of life itself, forever capturing the transient light and darkness that dance within the soul’s depths.
Ho Viet Vinh

“Happy Teachers will change the world.”

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh