Reinterpreting Vernacular Typologies of Central Vietnam for Environmental Comfort: Climate-Responsive interior Strategies from Modern Luxury Resorts in Hue and Hoi-An
Hoang Truong Huy & Trung Thanh Nguyen
Abstract
Hoang Truong Huy & Trung Thanh Nguyen
Abstract
As the demand for sustainable hospitality intensifies, modern luxury resorts in tropical climates face the dual challenge of ensuring thermal comfort and preserving cultural identify. This paper explores the spatial intelligence of two quintessential vernacular typologies in Central Vietnam: the Hoi-An tube house and the Hue Garden house. It aims to extract passive cooling strategies and spatial organization principles to formulate a climate-responsive design grammar for contemporary interiors. The research employs a qualitative case study methodology, and conducts a morphological analysis of traditional structures-focusing on cross-ventilation system of Hoi An (louvers and courtyards) and Feng Shui-driven microclimate controls of Hue (screening walls and water basins). The study then evaluates the practical application f these vernacular elements at the Four Seasons Resort ‘The Nam Hai.’ Findings reveal that translating these heritages-such as the elevated central platform, deep eaves, and flexible multi-layered boundaries-significantly reduces reliance on artificial cooling while blurring the indoor-outdoor dichotomy. Finally, this paper argues that synthesizing Hoi An and Hue’s vernacular wisdom offers a highly effective, culturally resonant framework for sustainable tropical interior architecture in Vietnam and Asia.
Keywords:
Vernacular Architecture, Climate-Responsive Design, Tropical Modernism, Cross-Ventilation, Microclimate, Hospitality Interiors, The Nam Hai Resort, Hue, Hoi An.