A stunning retreat house in Vietnam's mountainous Tam Dao region has been completed, showcasing exceptional environmental stewardship by preserving every single tree on the property. The project, designed by Idee architects and led by principal architect Tran Ngoc Linh, demonstrates how modern architecture can harmoniously coexist with mature forest ecosystems.
Situated on a 2,000-square-meter hillside plot, the retreat house was carefully planned around the site's existing natural features. All 52 mature pine trees that originally populated the land were preserved during construction, creating what the architects describe as a "living structural framework" that guided the project's spatial organization. This approach transforms the natural landscape into an integral part of the building's design philosophy.
The cool mountain microclimate and dense pine forest of Tam Dao provided both challenges and opportunities for the design team. Lead architect Tran Ngoc Linh worked closely with design team member Nguyen Dac Nguyen and project manager Nguyen Huy Hai to develop a construction approach that would minimize environmental impact while maximizing the building's integration with its surroundings.
Completed in 2023, the project utilized materials from several Vietnamese manufacturers, including Eurowindows for fenestration systems, Unios Lighting for illumination solutions, and Vietceramics for finish materials. The careful selection of local suppliers reflects the project's commitment to sustainability and supporting the regional economy.
The retreat house represents a growing trend in Vietnamese architecture toward environmental consciousness and preservation of natural heritage. By treating the existing trees as collaborators rather than obstacles, Idee architects has created a model for how development can proceed without sacrificing the natural beauty that makes locations like Tam Dao so special. The project serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can create harmony between human habitation and forest preservation.
