Hotel Le Bouton | D1 architectural studio

Standing on the busy Tran Dinh Dan Street of Danang, the Hotel Le Bouton boldly announces its identity: an organic structure that allures admirers and visitors alike to the beauty of Danang nature. Not only that, the Hotel Le Bouton is a graceful attempt at achieving sustainability by returning to traditional roots.

While Danang poses many challenges to architects due to the characteristics of weather in the Central region: hot, rainy, and stormy at the same time, it is not a good approach to simply install thick glass and heavy curtains to shield residents from the sun and wind, relying heavily on air conditioning to regulate the temperature. Such abuse of air conditioning will result in negative impacts on occupants’ health in the long run.

It is therefore a good approach to return to traditional housing models in Danang for references on building houses that are adapted to regional environmental conditions and culture. Traditional houses in Hoi An always have a yard, a pond, a miniature bonsai to invite the sunlight and green up the space. The houses are always filled with fresh air, making everyone relax and feel at ease in the connection with nature. D1 brought this idea into the interior decoration of Hotel le Bouton.

Along the basement through to the rooftop features a series of elements that embody Danang’s natural beauty: the sand garden in the basement and the dry garden on the terrace. The garden, filled with natural marine sand, is designed to be an exposed space that welcomes natural light; while the dry garden is modelled to be a miniature beach with light pillars that symbolize the mountains, sand and the ingenious flora species of the Central Coast. 

Working with artisans from the local craft villages: Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village and wood handicraft villages, D1 Architects select durable materials that are capable of withstanding harsh conditions, while still entertaining architects’ creativity, permit negligible construction deviations, and above all, environmental friendly.

For the finish, D1 used pebble wash and exposed aggregate sourcing from the nearby crafting village. This locally available material is cost efficient, easy to maintain, yet strong enough to endure the scorching sun. 

The vertical direction of the building is calculated carefully to take advantage of natural wind and thereby limit the use of air conditioning. The skylight does not only function to expand the view, take in natural light and circulate air flows, but also connect spaces together. 

For interior design, wooden furniture and whetstone are used extensively. The artisans cleverly integrated local materials to breathe the sense of local intimacy into each design element. 

In this way, the Hotel Le Bouton contributes towards energy saving and environmental protection, while taking pride in its natural beauty.