Architects: 6717 Studio
Area: 150 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki
Manufacturers: Dong Tam, Galaxy lighting, Jotun, Xinfa
Lead Architects: Le Viet Hoi
Category: Houses
Design Team: Nguyen Van Duc, Dang Thanh Bao, Le Hoang Nam
Structure Engineers: Nguyen Ngoc Thien
Township: Di Linh
Country: Vietnam

Bao Lam Retreat residential project by 6717 Studio in Di Linh, Vietnam has created a secluded sanctuary that merges architecture with the natural terrain to offer a space for renewal, reflection, and connection to the landscape. The design responds to the sloping topography with a curvilinear structure that preserves natural contours and opens to panoramic views of valleys and mountains. A forest backdrop provides protection and privacy, reinforcing the retreat’s integration with its setting. Large sweeping curves define the architecture, combining solid and void to support cross ventilation and daylighting. Earth-toned faux stone walls add structural integrity and waterproofing, critical in the region’s rainy climate. Local materials define the identity of the project, including Lam Dong stone for the entry and red stone countertops, complemented by dark wood interiors. Upper-level bedrooms feature expansive glass to frame views of the highlands and draw in daylight. A quiet path from the terrace leads to a Buddha statue, concluding the retreat with a contemplative space overlooking tea hills and forests. The project uses spatial continuity, material contrast, and topographic sensitivity to frame a domestic space rooted in mindfulness and ecological awareness.

Set in the highlands of Di Linh, Vietnam, the Bao Lam Retreat serves as a tranquil sanctuary where architecture integrates closely with the natural environment. Encircled by dense vegetation and shaped by the region’s cool climate and expansive landscapes, the retreat was designed to provide a peaceful alternative to the pressures of urban living. More than a place of rest, it offers a space for emotional renewal, allowing the homeowner to reconnect with both themselves and the natural world.

The design of the Bao Lam Retreat is guided by a commitment to respecting and enhancing the natural terrain. The structure conforms to the site’s sloping topography, following its contour lines and adopting a curvilinear form that maximizes panoramic views of the valleys and distant mountains. Located adjacent to an untouched forest at the rear, the retreat gains a natural barrier that improves privacy and protection while deepening the connection between the residence and its environment.

A key architectural feature of the retreat is its large sweeping curves, precisely formed to achieve a balanced composition of solid and void. This design strategy improves natural ventilation and increases daylight penetration throughout the interiors. The red earth-toned faux stone walls serve both visual and functional roles, reinforcing the structure against potential surface cracks caused by its expansive facade and offering effective waterproofing, which is critical given the region’s frequent and heavy rainfall.

Sustainability plays a central role in the Bao Lam Retreat, with its identity shaped by the careful selection of natural materials. The entrance steps are made from locally sourced Lam Dong stone, which integrates smoothly with the warm red tones of the walls and the deep gray of the polished stone staircase. This combination produces a bold yet unified visual composition. In addition, the use of deep red stone for the kitchen countertops and rich dark wood elements adds warmth and refinement to the interior.

The ground floor features an open layout that promotes a light-filled and continuous living environment. A central void subtly separates the living room from the kitchen while preserving both visual and spatial flow across the main areas. A strategically placed skylight introduces natural light from above, enhancing the interior’s sense of depth and openness. Large, carefully positioned windows frame the surrounding landscape as if it were a series of living artworks, while also creating a strong visual connection between the interior and the natural setting. On the upper level, the bedrooms offer wide views of the highlands and distant peaks. Expansive glass openings support an uninterrupted dialogue between the indoor spaces and the outdoors, allowing natural light to reach every part of the interior.

A secluded pathway extends from the outdoor terrace, guiding visitors toward a peaceful Buddha statue and forming a meditative route through the landscape. This contemplative walkway opens onto wide views of tea hills and rolling forests, providing a quiet moment for reflection and a deeper spiritual connection with nature.

More than a retreat, the Bao Lam Retreat functions as a sanctuary—a place of stillness set within the vast and untamed wilderness. It offers a calm refuge where architecture and nature come together to form a setting for rest, contemplation, and renewal. Filled with natural light and oriented toward the expansive highland views, the retreat creates an ideal atmosphere for mindfulness, encouraging a deep engagement with the serenity and mystery of the mountainous landscape.