a21studio uses bamboo and poonah paper to build cocoon pavilion in saigon

a21studio uses bamboo and poonah paper to build cocoon pavilion in saigon
(above) the structure was part of an exhibition held on april 2016
image © trieu chien

designed by a21studio, this pavilion was built to host an architecture exhibition held on april 2016 in saigon, vietnam. it was built in collaboration with local architecture students with bamboo and poonah paper. its shape references the different insect cocoons found in nature. measuring 9m x 18m, this space is able to showcase 17 works coming from seven different firms coming from the same city.

the structure was built in collaboration with local architecture students
image © trieu chien

a21studio’s pavilion used 800 sticks of bamboo for setting up the frame, and 1200 sheets of poonah paper for covering the inside and the outside of the shell. the way of implementing the structure is similar to the way artisans make lion heads in hanoi out of papier mâché. these techniques have been handed down from generation to generation of artisans, surviving to present days.

the video shows the construction process
video courtesy of handhome

the fact that the students implemented the project has a great significance to them as they had the opportunity to practice and improve their knowledge while gaining teamwork skills during the construction. the architecture exhibition is organized annually by handhome.net in order to connect generations of architects with students. currently, there are more than 30.000 members interested in architecture and interior design in vietnam.

its shape references the different insect cocoons found in nature
image © trieu chien

the pavilion measures 9m x 18m 
image © trieu chien 

it was built for the handhome exhitibion
image © trieu chien 

inside it showcases 17 projects by 7 local architecture firms
image © trieu chien

night view
image © trieu chien

the construction used 800 sticks of bamboo for setting up the frame
image © trieu chien 

1200 sheets of poonah paper for covering the inside and the outside of the shell
image © trieu chien

students helped with the construction
image © trieu chien

people enjoying the exhibition
image © trieu chien

structure before it was covered by the poonah paper
image © trieu chien

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.