Kỳ Thượng Community House by HGAA: A Sustainable Cultural Hub in Vietnam

The Kỳ Thượng Community House, designed by HGAA (H&P Architects), is more than just a building—it is a symbol of resilience, cultural preservation, and sustainable architecture. Completed in 2022, this 150 m² project is located in the remote Kỳ Thượng commune, Quảng Ninh province, northeast Vietnam.

Context and Location

Kỳ Thượng is a small highland commune about 60 km from Ha Long City, with fewer than 600 residents, mainly from the Dao ethnic community. Despite facing economic hardship, poor transportation, and lack of facilities, the commune is home to the Dong Son Nature Reserve, featuring a rich biodiversity, majestic landscapes, and a cool climate year-round. This unique environment provides enormous potential for community-based tourism and conservation efforts.

The Vision

Inspired by the determination of the local youth to improve living standards and preserve culture, the project aimed to create a community house as a catalyst for social and economic development. The building serves as:

• A communal gathering space for village meetings and local events.
• A welcome center for visitors, showcasing Dao traditions, cuisine, and crafts.
• A cultural hub fostering dialogue between locals and tourists.

Architectural Design

Traditional Inspiration

The design draws from Vietnamese stilt houses, blending traditional architecture with modern sustainability. Its elliptical floor plan symbolizes balance and inclusiveness, creating a welcoming environment for community interaction.

Spatial Organization

• Ground Floor (Open Space): Flexible for meetings, exhibitions, and guest reception.
• Upper Floor (Enclosed Space): Wooden walls and windows offer a cozy environment for rest, cultural performances, or workshops.

Materiality and Construction

Given the remote terrain and limited budget, HGAA emphasized local materials and community participation:

• Natural wood & stream stone sourced locally.
• Ecological roofing sheets for lightness, durability, and ease of transport.
• Cobblestone foundation and 32 untreated wooden trunks as columns, retaining their natural forest-like form.
• Mortise and screw joints following traditional craftsmanship.

The structure was built collaboratively with local people, ensuring community ownership and skill development.

Form and Symbolism

The kite-shaped roof shelters the wooden structure and symbolizes freedom and cultural spirit, while blending into the mountain landscape. The building faces a stream, backed by an acacia forest, reinforcing a harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature.

Social and Cultural Impact

Since completion, the Kỳ Thượng Community House has become:

• A landmark of cultural pride for the Dao people.
• A center for community tourism, attracting visitors and supporting livelihoods.
• A model of sustainable rural architecture, proving how local materials, traditional methods, and community collaboration can uplift underprivileged regions.

The Kỳ Thượng Community House by HGAA demonstrates how architecture can go beyond design—empowering communities, preserving culture, and embracing sustainability. It stands as a blueprint for culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible rural development in Vietnam.

All Photographs are works of Duc Nguyen