HippoFarm Bioclimatic Dormitories by T3 Architects

Architect Firm: T3 Architects
Contact e-mail: [email protected]
Firm Location: Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon (VIETNAM) and Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Completion Year: 2020
Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 218
Project Location: Dong Nai, Vietnam
Lead Architects: Charles GALLAVARDIN, Tereza GALLAVARDIN, Rafael LIRA
Lead Architects e-mail: [email protected]
Photo credits: Herve GOUBAND (ALISA Production)
Photographer email: [email protected]
Lead Architects: Charles GALLAVARDIN, Tereza GALLAVARDIN, Rafael LIRA
Design Team: Ta Quang Hai (Architect), Huy NGUYEN (Interior Designer)
Contractor: Harmonie
Clients: Private

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This is a view of the large dormitory that has bamboo elements on its walls and structure.

This is an angled view of the dormitory with concrete walls on the side and bamboo accents on the front side.

This is a look at the front of the dormitory with bamboo railings on the front porch.

This is a view of the dormitory and the surrounding landscape that has tall trees and bamboo groves.

The dormitory has multiple wooden steps that access the courtyard from its porch.

This front view of the dormitory showcases the bamboo accents of the exterior walls and railings of the porch walkway.

The courtyard beyond the porch has graveled grounds and potted plants.

This is a close look at the wooden steps of the porch and bamboo accents on the walls.

This is a view of the back of the dormitory with windows made of woven wicker.

This is the view of the upper level walkway with closed doors.

This is a close looka t the wooden doors of the dormitories with vents for ventilation.

This view of the individual dormitories shows that there are exterior wall-mounted lamps in between doors.

This is a close look at the wooden doors and the bamboo railings at the side.

This is a view of the covered walkway that has bamboo accents on the ceiling.

Each room has enough space for four bunk beds that are made of bamboo.

Each bunk bed is made of bamboo and has mosquito nets.

This is a view of the room from the vantage of the lower bunk.

This close look at the bunk bed showcases the quality and craftsmanship of the bed.

There are also sets of bamboo ladders to access the upper beds.

This is the outdoor public bathroom with shower areas and sinks on the wall.

This is a close look at the private bathroom.

The private bathroom has a stone sink paired with a set of woven wicker windows.

his is a close look at the toilet with a wooden frame support by the window.

This is a close look at the roof construction while the insulation is being placed.

This is a close looka t the rooftop of the dormitory while the insulation is being installed.

This is a close look at the roof and its insulation.

This is an aerial view of the dormitory showcasing the surrounding area and the landscaping.

This is an illustration depicting the design and structure of the dormitory.

This is an illustration depicting the diagram of ventilation for the dormitory.

This is an illustration of the dormitory's support beams and structure with labels.

This is an illustration of the dormitory's cross section elevation.

This is an illustration of the dormitory's floor plan.

T3 ARCHITECTS Team has been invited by Hippo Farm to design Dormitories to welcome “green classes”, students and families who want to learn more about nature, permaculture, horse riding, sustainable construction and all activities which make sense to reconnect with essential: education, team works, share meaningful time with friends and reconnect with the natural environment.

The building must reflect all those ideas to be in line with Hippo Farm concept. T3 decided first to propose a bioclimatic design, playing with sun orientation and studying carefully the wind direction both during dry season (to get the maximum benefits of the natural air flow) but also during rainy season (to protect the façade from water infiltration). Then, T3 decided to reuse the debris from the demolished existing horse boxes in a bad condition, and to raise the building above the flooding line (keeping insects and wild life on the natural soil).

Reusing existing materials is part of our frugal approach to do more with less… The building has a simple steel structure tailor-made near the site, the walls are made in local bricks covered with a natural lime plastering mixed with local red sand. The insulation of the roof uses Vietnamese bulk rice husk mixed with diatomaceous earth which helps to prevent insects.

Rice husk being full of silicate, it resists well to the high level of humidity under Tropical climate – also with low cost and biodegradable. All doors and windows are in solid wood from Vietnam (thermo-wood for the deck) combined with bamboo weaving, both accessible with affordable budget, water-resistant, and allow to keep the natural ventilation of the building.

To save water, we proposed dry toilets system, made of OSB panels and an inox bucket under with a hatch on the back façade to make operation easy for staff. Without using water in it system, in addition to producing inputs that can be used for fertilization of Hippo Farm plantations. Push-buttons tap also help to save water for all sinks which will be used by kids and aware them about the importance to save water!

Handrails and pergolas are made with Melaleuca wood (also from South Vietnam and resisting well to water). The solar heater on the roof is facing South to be the most efficient as possible and produce hot water when necessary.

All plants around the building are local species that require low maintenance and bring shadow and freshness. This Building is the perfect “manifesto” of a project in line with Happy and Creative Frugality adapted for Tropical country (countryside) – learn more on https://www.frugalite.org/fr/le-manifeste.html.

By Jon Dykstra · See their LinkedIn.