Bat Trang Ceramic Community House | 1+1>2 Architects

After a meticulous three-year construction period, the Bat Trang Ceramic Community House officially opened its doors in 2021. This impressive endeavor, backed by a substantial investment of 150 billion VND, plays a pivotal role within The Center for the “Quintessence of the Vietnamese Craft Village.” Its primary mission is to foster the growth of craft villages and safeguard the time-honored traditions of a pottery craft that spans over five centuries.

The Bat Trang Ceramic Community House is crucial in the overall village planning strategy. Its strategic placement at the entrance serves as a warm welcome to tourists, with a prime position overlooking the picturesque Bac Hung Hai canal and providing a link to the renowned Red River. The architectural design meticulously addresses several vital objectives, including the management of construction density and height, the creation of harmonious proportions and scenic vistas, the enhancement of the canal’s natural landscape, and the recreation of the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the ancient pottery market that once thrived along these historic waterways.

The Bat Trang Ceramic Community House’s Concept Design

The Bat Trang Ceramic Community House is a versatile multi-story complex featuring a distinctive architectural design characterized by the integration of seven interlocking ceramic wheels. These wheels draw inspiration from the traditional process of a ceramic artisan meticulously shaping a block of clay, resulting in a series of gracefully overlapping curves that gradually extend outward. This unique design approach serves a dual purpose by creating a visually striking volume and optimizing the complex’s functionality. The wheels act as multifunctional elements, serving as display shelves for ceramics and as staircases to facilitate movement between different floors. Furthermore, the architectural design pays homage to Bat Trang’s historic gourd furnace, offering a nod to the village’s rich ceramic heritage.

The design of the Bat Trang Ceramic Community House is rooted in its mission to highlight the rustic and idyllic qualities of the pottery village. This is achieved by prominently featuring the rich, reddish-brown hue of unrefined ceramics as the central theme. The design approach meticulously incorporates traditional materials readily associated with the craft village, such as Bat Trang bricks and tiles, to create a harmonious and authentic aesthetic.

Project Info:
Architects: Nguyen Duy Thanh,Do Quang Minh, Tran Hong Nam
Architects: 1+1>2 Architects
Area: 3380 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Trieu Chien
Manufacturers: Dulux, Gia Loi Joint Stock Company, Hoa Phat, INAX, Kone, LG Air Conditioners, Philips, Trane Technologies, Virco Manufacturing Corporation, Xingfa
Lead Architect: Hoang Thuc Hao
Country: Vietnam