Jackfruit Village: A Sustainable Rural Hospitality Model Rooted in Vietnamese Vernacular Architecture

Located in the serene rural landscape of Cổ Đông Commune in Sơn Tây town, Vietnam, Jackfruit Village by 1+1>2 Architects redefines sustainable hospitality architecture through a deep respect for nature, culture, and community living. Spanning a generous 1.7-hectare site bordered by a tranquil lake to the south and southwest, the project integrates architecture with an existing ecosystem of 38 jackfruit trees and 13 pomelo trees—symbolic elements of Northern Vietnam’s agrarian identity.

Designed under the leadership of architect Hoang Thuc Hao, the project embodies a holistic approach to eco-tourism, blending rural traditions with contemporary spatial strategies to create a regenerative and immersive living experience.

Concept and Master Planning: A Community-Centered Core

At the heart of Jackfruit Village lies a central meditation house, functioning as both a spiritual nucleus and a communal gathering space. This core anchors the entire master plan, from which residential units radiate outward in an organic layout.

The placement of buildings is carefully aligned with the natural distribution of trees, allowing homes to nestle beneath the shade of jackfruit and pomelo canopies. This strategy not only enhances thermal comfort but also reinforces the project's commitment to ecological integration.

Elevated platforms respond intelligently to the site’s topography, preventing issues related to humidity, termites, and water drainage. This adaptive design ensures durability while maintaining harmony with the natural terrain.

Architectural Typologies and Experiential Living

Jackfruit Village introduces a unique hospitality model where guests engage directly with rural life. The accommodation types include:

• Detached villas
• Semi-detached villas
• Artist bungalows

Each typology offers a distinct spatial experience while maintaining a unified architectural language rooted in vernacular traditions. The design prioritizes openness, natural ventilation, and visual connectivity to the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship.

Guests are not merely visitors but participants in a living ecosystem, sharing spaces and experiences with local residents and artists.

Agro-Ecological Integration and Self-Sustaining Systems

A defining feature of the project is its integration of agriculture into hospitality design. The village operates on a self-sustaining model that includes:

• Organic vegetable gardens
• Fruit orchards centered around jackfruit cultivation
• Fish farming in cages
• Livestock rearing

These systems provide fresh, organic food for daily consumption while supporting local livelihoods. The agricultural framework enhances the authenticity of the guest experience, offering insights into traditional Vietnamese farming practices.

Amenities and Cultural Immersion

Jackfruit Village extends beyond accommodation by offering a diverse range of amenities designed to celebrate local culture and well-being:

• Traditional Vietnamese cuisine
• Swimming pool and spa facilities
• Herbal bath experiences rooted in indigenous practices
• Meditation and mindfulness spaces
• Artistic residencies and creative bungalows

These features foster a deeper connection between visitors and the cultural fabric of the region, encouraging meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

Sustainable Materials and Climate-Responsive Design

The architectural language of Jackfruit Village is defined by the use of local, environmentally friendly materials, including:

• Adobe bricks for thermal insulation
• Expansive thatched roofs that provide shading and reduce solar heat gain

These materials not only minimize environmental impact but also reflect the traditional construction techniques of rural Vietnam.

Advanced ecological systems are integrated into each building, such as:

• Biological five-chamber septic tanks
• Wastewater filtration systems positioned along wind direction for efficiency

This ensures responsible resource management and reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability.

Mobility, Connectivity, and Landscape Experience

The village promotes slow, experiential movement through carefully designed pathways that connect both internal and surrounding rural areas. Guests can explore the landscape via:

• Cycling routes
• Rowing across the lake

These modes of transport enhance environmental awareness while strengthening connections between the village and neighboring communities.

A Vision of Tolerance and Harmony

Jackfruit Village is conceptualized as a “tolerant village,” embracing three key dimensions:

1. Tolerance toward nature – respecting ecosystems, plants, and animals
2. Tolerance among people – fostering community interaction and shared living
3. Tolerance within oneself – creating spaces for reflection and personal growth

This philosophy transforms the project into more than a physical environment—it becomes a framework for sustainable living and cultural continuity.

Redefining Rural Hospitality in a Modern Context

In the face of rapid urbanization and economic transformation, Jackfruit Village offers an alternative vision—one that preserves and revitalizes rural identity. By merging architecture, agriculture, and community engagement, the project creates a resilient model that enhances both environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

It stands as a compelling example of how architecture can bridge tradition and innovation, offering a blueprint for future developments in eco-tourism and rural regeneration.

All photographs are works of  Trieu Chien, Son Vu