MA.DE BISTRO reinterprets traditional Vietnamese architecture
MA.DE Bistro is a contemporary complex designed by AN NAM Design and Build, located in the pine forest of Mang Dan in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The restaurant’s design incorporates regional cultural influences. A roof made up of three interconnected peaks forms the main visual element, creating a rhythmic profile that echoes the surrounding mountainous landscape.
The 1,000-square-meter site is surrounded by forest on three sides, which influences the spatial layout of the project. The roof acts as a unifying cover, while the interior walls create intentional gaps that allow daylight and ventilation to enter the interior. Underneath this large, sprawling structure, functional spaces are distributed, maintaining cohesion through material and spatial transitions. The main circulation path passes through an open-air circular courtyard, creating a threshold before leading to interior spaces that gradually descend into the forest. These subtle level changes direct movement and controlled scenes within the frame, creating alternating zones of openness and closure.
AN NAM uses local materials and building traditions. The choice of materials references the site and local building traditions. The stone walls, faced with deep red plaster, recall the basalt-rich soil of the region. The concrete ceilings retain the texture of the pine timber framing used during construction. The flooring materials vary: terracotta tiles define the central hall, while irregular natural stone is used in secondary areas. Each surface contributes to the creation of a layered sensory environment. The roof structure consists of a main steel frame, clad in timber on the underside for visual warmth. On the exterior, lightweight bitumen tiles in neutral tones provide durability suited to the high-altitude climate. The steel elements were prefabricated off-site and assembled on site to ensure precision and facilitate the construction process.
Name: MA.DE Bistro
Architect: AN NAM Design and Build
Location: Mang Dan, Con Tum, Vietnam