Grandeur Do Son Resort – A Façade Inspired by Ocean Currents

By: Alina Valcarce, Valcarce Architects

Grandeur Do Son Resort is an impressive resort located in Hai Phong City, Vietnam, with a total area of 61490 sqm, 303 rooms, and 43 villas. The resort’s façade, completed in December 2022, is one of its most striking features and is inspired by the fluid lines of ocean currents.

Facade Lighting Design at Grandeur Do Son Resort — .

The façade of Grandeur Do Son Resort features a mix of materials, including Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP), cladding, curtain wall system, and exterior emulsion paint. The curtain wall system in the middle area of the façade comprises curved louvers, which serve as a shading device to regulate the entry of natural light into the building.

In terms of regulations, the building’s façade had to meet local and international standards. The façade’s design had to comply with Vietnam’s building code requirements, which include regulations on structural integrity, wind loading, and fire resistance. Additionally, the curtain wall system was designed to meet international standards for air and water infiltration, thermal insulation, and acoustics.

The concept behind the façade design was inspired by the sinuous forms of the ocean currents. The building’s wings respond to the site, the views, and the hotel’s functions, creating an efficient and elegant layout. The double-loaded layout of each end of the hotel maximises the view from every room, while the podium elevation ensures that all rooms have uninterrupted views. The villas are offset and have living areas at different levels, providing privacy and water views.

Aerial view of Grandeur Do Son Resort Project — .

The modern detailing in the façade accentuates the building’s unusual and beautiful shape, reinforcing the inspiration from the ocean currents.

Grandeur Do Son Resort’s façade becomes a signature entry statement, setting the tone and feeling for the entire resort. The architects’ vision and execution have resulted in a masterpiece of modern architecture that provides a luxurious and memorable experience for guests.

FACT FILE

• Project name: Grandeur Do Son Resort
• Location: Dragon Hill tourism zone, Đồ Sơn town, Hải Phòng, Việt Nam
• Client: Geleximco & Van Huong investment and tourist joint stock company
• Delivery architect: VNCC
• Design architect: GSAStudio, Việt Nam
• Design Team: Alina Valcarce, Matt Young, Vinh Nguyen
• Other consultants: ID consultant – GSAStudio, Việt Nam
• Materials used: Exterior emulsion paint, Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP), cladding, curtain wall system
• Commencement date: August 2020
• Completion date: December 2022

Alina Valcarce, Valcarce Architects

Founder & Director of Design

Alina Valcarce is a highly talented architect and urban planner with a passion for new architectural forms and buildings that bring something unique and exciting to cities. She brings a wealth of international experience to her work, having lived and worked in the UK, Spain, China, India, Vietnam, and the Middle East. As the Founder & Director of Design at Valcarce Architects, Alina has been instrumental in building the firm’s reputation as a leading international design practice. Her outstanding portfolio of work, which showcases her expertise in landscape design and sustainability, has earned her several design awards and competitions. Alina is also a great mentor to her team and a highly motivated team leader. In 2018, she was honored as one of the best designers in Asia under 40.