Earth Village
May 22, 2016
Nam Dam is a village that is located in the Quan Ba District of Ha Giang, the most northern province in Vietnam. Situated on the mountain top and covered with rich forests and terraced fields, this place is inhabited by the Dao ethnic minority and recognised for its cultural characteristics: traditional costumes; festivals; brocade; cuisines; herbal baths; and rammed-earth buildings.
Nam Dam was isolated because of the mountains and the lack of connection with other areas and infrastructure, leading to low standard of living for the locals and difficulties for children to get access to education. The sparse farmland and severe weather meant that there was only one crop harvest in a year. The houses and cattle barns were in close proximity to one another, resulting in contamination of the environment and spread of illnesses. Hence, the village was moved to the bottom of the mountain with the assistance of architects and Caritas Switzerland, an NGO. This was also a chance to advance the locals’ quality of life, promote tourism and protect regional character.
LOCAL INVOLVEMENT
The new village is made up of clusters that comprise five to seven households each. This way of division could foster community well-being: a household unit can work together to facilitate better experience for visitors. A large shared pond that collects water for everyday usage and a biogas tank are placed on each unit area. Fifty buildings have been gradually constructed using indigenous building techniques and components since 2002.
PROJECT DATA
| Project Name | Earth Village |  |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Nam Dam Village, Queen Ba Commune, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam | |
| Completion Date | 2014 | |
| Site Area | 458 square meters | |
| Building Height | 6 to 7.5 meters | |
| Client Owner | Quan Ba People’s Committee; Caritas Sqitzerland (Vietnam) | |
| Architects Firms | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC; Caritas Switzerland (Vietnam); Ha Giang local workers | |
| Principal Architects | Hoang Thuc Hao; Nguyen Duy Thanh | |
| Main Contractor | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC | |
| Mechanical & Electrical Engineer | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC | |
| Civil & Structural Engineer | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC | |
| Quantity Surveyor | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC | |
| Images/Photos | 1+1>2 international Architecture JSC |
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