MIỀN TUỆ UYỂN – TUE GIAC MONASTERY - Ho Viet Vinh Architect & Partners

“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.

Song Muc Lake | Source: internet
Ben En | Source: HVV, supported by AI

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.

“Light from Above| Source: HVV, supported by Ai

Next project | Phuoc Tich Pottery: Reviving the Timeless Craft of Hue’s Ancient Village

Thiên Lý Brigde – Entrance Gate to the village.
Source: HVV Architect and Partners

Phuoc Tich Ancient Village, established in 1470 during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, lies 40 kilometers north of Hue, embraced by the gentle flow of the O Lau River. Within the village, 26 ancient wooden houses (nhà rường), each over a century old, stand as testaments to traditional craftsmanship. Among these, 12 houses are particularly esteemed for their architectural and artistic value. Additionally, the village is home to 12 water docks, iconic symbols of the rural charm of Hue.
Phuoc Tich pottery, renowned for its meticulous firing process in robust, high-temperature kilns, boasts exceptional durability—resistant to cracking and brittleness—while retaining heat and preserving flavors. The intricate designs etched into Phuoc Tich pottery are distinctive and refined, making them unmistakable among other ceramic products. Historically, Phuoc Tich pottery surpassed many renowned competitors to become the exclusive choice for the imperial court of Hue.
Today, the art of Phuoc Tich pottery is experiencing a revival, driven by passionate young artisans dedicated to preserving the traditional craft passed down through generations. Visitors to the ancient village can immerse themselves in its cultural heritage by participating in pottery-making workshops with local artisans, creating a memorable and hands-on connection to this timeless tradition.

Om Ngự Restaurant. Source: HVV, supported by AI
Hà Trì Tearoom. Source: HVV, supported by AI

HVV Architect & Partners embodies a vision where architecture resonates deeply with local heritage and the natural environment. All their design and construction projects are rooted in a commitment to authenticity, with a distinctive focus on using Phuoc Tich pottery as a core material.
Phuoc Tich pottery are not merely functional but carry the soul of Hue’s artisanal legacy. Their durability, natural hues, and fine craftsmanship make them a perfect medium for creating spaces that blend tradition with modernity. By incorporating the material, HVV Architect & Partners elevates local materials into architectural expressions that honor the past while embracing contemporary aesthetics.
Each project reflects a philosophy of harmonious living, where the choice of materials and design principles creates spaces that are sustainable, culturally enriched, and emotionally resonant. Visitors and occupants alike experience an intimate connection to Hue’s cultural identity through the timeless beauty of Phuoc Tich pottery, seamlessly integrated into innovative and inspiring architectural designs.
Through these efforts, HVV Architect & Partners not only showcases the versatility of traditional materials but also contributes to the preservation and celebration of Hue’s rich artistic heritage. This approach ensures that every building tells a story of place, people, and enduring craftsmanship.

Next project | Huyền sử RÊU

Huyền sử rêu
a photo by Vinhho 2025

Trong lòng phố cổ Gia Hội, nơi mà thời gian như dừng lại, “Huyền sử Rêu” hiện lên như một bức tranh sống động của ký ức.
Rêu xanh mướt, mềm mại như dải lụa, phủ kín những bức tường cổ kính, kể lại câu chuyện của những ngày đã qua. Mỗi lớp rêu như một dòng thơ trầm mặc, mang hồn cốt của quá khứ và hiện tại hòa quyện. Dưới ánh hoàng hôn, rêu trở thành biểu tượng của sự trường tồn, của những giá trị không phai mờ. Như một bức tranh, “Huyền sử Rêu” gợi lên những cảm xúc sâu lắng, những suy tư về sự bất biến và vẻ đẹp ẩn giấu trong từng góc nhỏ của cuộc sống.
Trong không gian ấy, rêu không chỉ là thực vật, mà là một phần của linh hồn phố cổ, một lời thì thầm của thời gian.

Kiến trúc sư Hồ Viết Vinh, Huế 2025

Next project | Le Ba Dang Art Space

At the end of November 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts launched the Le Ba Dang Art Space exhibition. The exhibition not only aims to showcase the distinctive creative values of painter Le Ba Dang but also serves as a tribute to the generosity of Mr. Le Tat Luyen and Mrs. Thuy Khue, who donated this collection. Their contribution has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the value of this artistic heritage while fostering the creation of a vibrant art space that inspires future generations.

Architect Ho Viet Vinh at the Le Ba Dang art space.
A few lines capturing the emotions of Architect Ho Viet Vinh at the event.

“The famous painter Le Ba Dang has woven brocade and embroidered the beauty of the country and the Vietnamese soul with a new and unique language of painting.”

Architect Ho Viet Vinh

Next project | Le Ba Dang Memory Space

The landscape architecture of the museum, spanning 16,000 square meters, is itself a full-scale “Lebadang Space” artwork. Paintings, sculptures, installations, and “Space” artworks by the world-renowned artist Lebadang are periodically rotated, with exhibition content and display methods meeting international standards.
The museum brings to life artist Lebadang’s dream of “an immense artwork, a cosmic landscape, a life in harmony with nature, and an eternal vision.” Its location in Hue, Vietnam’s ancient capital, embodies his aspiration for Hue to become the center of Vietnamese contemporary art and culture in the 21st century.

“Đường mòn lối nhỏ  lượn vòng quanh
Trăm hoa đua nở khoe hình sắc 
Thấp thoáng hương quê gió nội đồng
Toàn chân đón cảnh mây trời hiện
Một chốn tiên bồng giữa thế gian.”

“Small paths that revolve around
Hundreds of flowers in bloom
Village hidden behind rice fields
Flying clouds in the sky
What a great place. ”
Architect Ho Viet Vinh

A charcoal sketch by Vinhho on 2007

Le Ba Dang Memory Space reimagines the image of Co Loa as a unique creation of the Vietnamese spirit. Emotions are etched into the landscape like a giant painting. The winding pathways lead us into a vivid tapestry of reality, where people and nature merge as one. The soul finds peace, and emotions flow freely.
Brilliant flowers bloom, birds chirp joyously, the breeze carries drifting clouds, and every element resonates with authentic sounds, drawing our minds back to the dreams of childhood.

“Great architecture can give us hope, great architecture can heal.”

Type
Museum
Year
2019
Location
Huong Thuy, Hue
Team
Ho Viet Vinh, Tran Thanh Hai, Le Van Thoi, Ngo Dang Linh
Civil Engineer
Nam Viet
Contractor
Rickenbach Development and Construction
Interior Designer
Eric Mignagd
Lighting Designer
Elek Co, Ltd
Photographer
Dalo lab
Structural Engineer
Nam Viet

Press
ART REPUBLIK 1, Elitism for all, Spring-Summer 2020

Youtube
LeBaDang Memory Space – Contemporary Art in Hue – An article by Dalo Studio on Youtube via the link.

Next project | FRAGILITY

FRAGILITY

“A sea of swirling blue, evokes the tempestuous depths of the soul, adrift in a world of fleeting beauty and despair. The stark white, a beacon of hope, struggles against the relentless tide of azure, a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence.”

Ho Viet Vinh

Next project | HAPPY TEACHER’S DAY 2024

Happy Teachers will change the world.”

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Happy Teacher”s Day 2024

Next project | A Dialogue Between Humanity and Nature Through the Duo Exhibition “Biophilia and Naturalis”

Installation view of “Biophilia and Naturalis”
Source: saigoneer.com

Amid the chaos of modern life and urban development, where humans are in constant, fast motion, nature is an important element to remind ourselves of and return to. In this duo exhibition by Patricia vd Moreen and Devon Nguyen, we find ourselves stepping into another world filled with harmony between humanity and nature.
“Biophilia and Naturalis” features the most recent works by two unique artists. Works of oil paintings and ceramics call to mind living entities glowing in the darkened space and reveal the connection between humanity and nature. While Patricia’s works highlight the concept of Naturalism, Devon’s works speak for the concept of Bipholia, which emphasises the harmony between humans and nature.

Installation view of “Biophilia and Naturalis
Source: saigoneer.com
Works by Devon Nguyen (left) and Patricia vd Moreen (right)
Source: saigoneer.com
Architect Ho Viet Vinh and the artist at the exhibition.

To read the full article by Saigoneer, please click on this link.

Next project | Mine Art Gallery

Mine Art Gallery
Cam Pha coal mine was established by the French in 1886 under the name Société Française des Charbonnages du Tonkin during the reign of King Tu Duc. The mine’s stratigraphic structure descends into deep underground terraces, with coal seams gradually revealed in the light that pierces through the valley.
The jet-black hue of coal, intermingled with the reddish-brown of the earth and the arid dust suspended in the air, creates an abstract palette imbued with depth and intensity.
The project draws inspiration from the overlapping layers of coal seams, reimagined in reverse to symbolize the void left behind. Construction materials, sourced from coal itself, form layered bricks that replicate the natural striations of the seams. Space, materiality, and landscape converge to evoke the emotional and physical experiences of the miners.

Type
Gallery
Year
2016
Location
Cam Pha city
Team
Ho Viet Vinh
Mai Que Vu

Next project | Majestic Hotel Renovation

Established by the Hui-Bon-Hoa Company (owned by a Chinese-Vietnamese businessman known as Uncle Hoa), the hotel is located at the corner of Catinat Street (now Dong Khoi Street) and Quai de Belgique Street (now Ton Duc Thang Street). Designed in the popular baroque architectural style of the time, the hotel became one of Saigon’s most elegant and impressive buildings upon its completion in 1925.
The Majestic initially had three stories and 44 bedrooms, as per the original design by a French architect. In 1948, the Indochina Tourism and Exhibition Department, led by the Frenchman Franchini Mathieu, purchased the ground and first floors of the hotel and leased 44 rooms for 30 years.
The hotel was officially rated as a five-star establishment in 2007. In July 2011, construction began on two new towers along Nguyen Hue Street, adding 353 rooms to the hotel.
However, over time, the usage of the space and the integration of modern equipment have diminished the building’s original value. The goal of the redesign and renovation is to restore its luxury and evoke the essence of the famous Indochinese architectural style, reminiscent of old Saigon.

Next project | Melaleuca Forest

Melaleuca forest
The sky turned gray-gray, the melaleuca forest changed color under the lopsided sunlight penetrating through the canopy of leaves, the ground tilted and swayed with the withering colors of countless flowers and leaves. The sparkling black velvet water reflects the identity of the forest of the elders: the splendid harmony of the late afternoon.

Description
Exucuted in April 2020
Styles
Lyrical Abstract
Technique
Acrylic on Canvas
Dimension
100W x 100H x 5D cm

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by the HVV Architect &Partners. A certificate of authenticity maybe delivered by the Company upon request to the buyer.

Vinhho Biography
Ho Viet Vinh is a Vietnamese architect who graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1995 from the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he received an award for creative design in his final year. He is a Registered Architect in Vietnam, a Registered Urban Planner in Ho Chi Minh City, and a member of the Association of Architects and Urban Planners of Vietnam.
Vinh’s career began in 1995 with participation in several design competitions in Ho Chi Minh City. That same year, he became a lecturer in the Urban Planning Department at the University of Architecture.
In 1998, he won second prize in the international competition organized by the Summer Workshop of Cergy-Pontoise, France, with the theme “Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River.”
In 2005, he was awarded a special prize in another international competition by the Summer Workshop of Cergy-Pontoise, France, for his project “Can Gio Emotional City.”
In 2010, he participated in the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) focusing on Sustainable Urban Planning.
In 2015, Vinh was selected by the Lebadang Creative Foundation to design the Lebadang Memory Space Museum in Hue. During this time, he also became the Director of the Fund.