NAMIA RIVER RETREAT
Wellness Inclusive Resort – Hoi An

HOSPITALITY • Master Plan / Architecture / Interior • 2021

CLIENT: HG Holdings

Operator: Lumina Wellbeing
Landscape Design: LJ-Group
Lighting Design: Kobi Lighting Studio

Situated on a beautiful five-hectare private island off the banks of the Thu Bon river, less than 2km from the Hoi An Ancient Town, Namia River Sanctuary is a new luxury sustainable wellness Resort project. With 60 pool villas (with river or coconut palm views), resort facilities include a wellness & herbology center, plant-based dining & academy and an organic bio-pool.

T3 ARCHITECTS Team designed Namia Retreat Sanctuary as a true sustainable ultra luxury Resort; starting by the Site analysis to optimize the design and ensure a low carbon footprint approach, T3 decided first to preserve the natural river banks which have been reinforced by our friend Dao Ngo with bamboo sticks and mangroves which help to stabilize the natural soil without using concrete or heavy infrastructure. Then, T3 and LJ-Group (Landscaper) focused on the Master Plan, with the main intention to maintain the natural soil (by having most of the buildings on stilts), conserve the existing trees and native plants as part of the “sanctuary” concept, design some “soft” circulation for pedestrian, bicycles and 3 golf carts (no gasoline vehicle) and to create some vegetable and herbal garden to offer organic food for guests.

In terms of Architecture, T3 intention was to get some inspiration from the fishermen and countryside houses around Hoi An (and avoid one more Resort influenced by the historical UNESCO city center). So we studied carefully the vernacular architecture typologies and revisit it to create a unique design inspired by the past but clearly contemporary and much more efficient in terms of resilience, comfort and sustainability. River Villas combined timber structure for the roof and the main facade and masonry to bring inertia. A beautiful integrated bathtub allow you to enjoy the river life when having a bath. An outdoor covered Sala is designed for massage and wellness treatment for every single Villas. Nypa Lodges uses Kanopya technology. They are suspended 6m higher than the natural soil, both to offer the best experience for the guests to enjoy river view and sunset but also to bring the best business option for our client as all lodges facing the most beautiful view (it means higher price/night than a “garden villa”). Nypa Lodges are accessible by a light staircase passing through the tropical vegetation, then a large deck welcomes guests with an area dedicated to wellness individual treatment, a wonderful infinity pool and a suspended net facing the river. The lodge is made in timber structure (FSC label), covered by wooden tiles, and offer a panoramic experience with a 360 degrees views. The Interior Design is inspired by a re-visit of Hoi An traditional handicrafts as the degree of sustainability is the highest that you can find in Vietnam (energy consumption is divided by 3 compared to the average of 5* Resorts in Vietnam, no plastic, no VOC, certified wood, no chemicals…). The Spa offers several wellness activities as follow: herbology center, massage, steam bath, hot pool, yoga, gym, and a sauna over the river. The shape of the building is organic, to be more integrated to the natural environment. The interior design is also composed by curves and niches, with walls having a certain thickness for a better acoustic and experience. Poll Bar and Poll restaurant combined timber structure and masonry and Nypa louvers connect them with all public facilities architectural style. It is also a way to protect the buildings from sun exposure and reduce energy consumption. A large bio-pool is located between the pool Bar and the river, which allow to create unique dining experience by night and very original swim experience as well. Some fishes will participate to clean the water and the natural stones and plants will make this pool looks like a small lake. The Herbalist Restaurant on the mainland will propose special organic dishes as well as cooking class to prepare your own healthy menu, using aromatic plants from the herbal garden around. the 2 Receptions are made in timber structure and are naturally ventilated (no AC). The purpose is always to promote bioclimatic design, avoid Air Conditioning wherever it is not necessary and reduce energy consumption by proper sun protection and insulation.

Namia retreat Sanctuary is probably one of the best experience you can find in Vietnam in term of sustainable and wellness 5* Hospitality.