An urban oasis with a metal bridge connecting the garden
At the new Yam Restaurant, Da Lat City, Vietnam, architects Sawadeesign have created a much needed “urban oasis” amidst the bustling atmosphere of the up and coming urban neighborhood.
The architects opted to use the entire outer space of the plot to create a landscaped garden, separated from the bustling main road outside by high walls made of burnt pine wood. The highlight of this private and calm yard is a metal bridge, which connects to the main entrance of the restaurant, the reception hall and the upper floor of the indoor space. The bridge, subtly lit along its top edge, guides visitors through different layers of the architectural space as well as offering them different visual perspectives outwards.
By placing the open garden in the middle of the 400 sqm plot, the architects essentially divided the restaurant into two halves, comprised of interior and exterior areas. This had the effect of creating a spatial contrast between the two. The entire outside area serves as a landscaped garden, complete with seating areas and an open bar. At the same time, the burnt orange colored metal bridge forms the centerpiece, as well as a connecting element, and a method by which different areas of the garden can form different zones.
At the top, the bridge takes visitors into the upper floor of the building, where an open terrace with seating and an indoor dining space are located. Inside, the restaurant takes on a much softer character, where the use of natural wood and light hues create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The contrast between the two zones – interior and exterior – which is enhanced by the material selection, offers a new experience for diners at the restaurant.
Project: Yam Restaurant / Location: Đà Lạt, Vietnam / Architect: Sawadeesign – Đoàn Sĩ Nguyên, Võ Thành Phát, Đặng Thành Tính / Investor: Windmills / Floor area: 400m² / Materials: charred pine wood / Completion: 2019 / Photograph: ©Quang Trân (courtesy of the architect)
