Architects: Tropical Space
Area: 682 mยฒ
Year: 2023
Photography: Trieu Chien
Engineer: Bach Ngoc Hoang
Province: Quang Nam
Country: Vietnam
The Terra Cotta Workshop, designed by Tropical Space in Quang Nam, Vietnam, integrates a renovated architecture around a two-decade-old brick kiln, forming the complex’s core. The new design preserves and emphasizes traditional craftsmanship activities through the strategic arrangement of space and material. The complex is divided into three main areas by two 5.4 m high brick walls, each tailored to enhance different interactions with the material of terra cotta, from crafting to viewing finished products. The design smartly uses natural elements like light and wind to facilitate the craftsmen’s work and visitor experience, achieving a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the natural surroundings.
![Default Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_30.jpg)
The Terra Cotta Workshop comprises a series of spaces defined by brick constructions: two elongated folded walls and a circular wall that encircles the original brick kiln, which has been preserved for over twenty years and remains central to the new workshop.
![Terra-Cotta-Workshop-Tropical-Space_3 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_3.jpg)
The routine of the craftsmen has remained unchanged since the original workshop’s inception. The new architecture emerged from detailed observations of natural elements and human interactions within the spaceโsuch as light, wind direction, and movement patternsโwhich informed the design of geometric spaces optimized for sculptural work.
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 1 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_29-1140x886.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 2 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-3-3-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 3 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_14-1140x740.jpg)
The workshop is divided into three primary zones by two brick walls standing 5.4 meters high:
- The experiential area for visitors is positioned along the outer brick wall. It is accessible via an outdoor walkway linking to the Terra Cotta Studio, where visitors can engage with clay, create personal souvenirs, and hear stories from the craftsmen.
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 4 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_19.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 5 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_6.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 6 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-6-6-1140x806.jpg)
- The craftsmen’s working area is located along the riverbank, adjacent to the folded wall. This area features a rammed earth floor that maintains natural humidity and brick walls with cavities that connect the indoor environment with the outside.
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 7 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_17-1140x761.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 8 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-4-4-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 9 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_7-1140x760.jpg)
- Situated between these areas are a lengthy corridor and the main kiln space. Here, the ground is covered with crushed brick slag and remnants from the firing process, creating a unique surface that emits the sound of terra cotta underfoot. This pathway offers a full perspective of the crafting process, from raw materials to partially completed sculptures.
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 10 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_24.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 11 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/d3-8.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 12 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_11.jpg)
In addition to functional space division, the brick walls provide shade and direct airflow, and feature a series of low windows that control sunlight entry. These architectural elements do more than separate spaces; they create visual and spatial connections across the workshop, extending the view through eye-level openings to various workshop sections and the natural surroundings, including the garden and adjacent bamboo thickets.
![Terra-Cotta-Workshop-Tropical-Space_10 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_10.jpg)
The circular wall encapsulates the old kiln and forms a simple, cohesive block. This design choice opens up new possibilities for showcasing unseen activities, such as loading the kiln, fueling the fire, and witnessing the transformative process of terra cotta from clay to finished products.
![Terra-Cotta-Workshop-Tropical-Space_2 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_2.jpg)
The architecture of the Terra Cotta Workshop organically integrates with both the daily operations of the space and the broader environmental context, enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetic of the site.
![Default Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_27.jpg)
Project Gallery
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 13 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_1-1140x770.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 14 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_2-1140x713.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 15 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_3-1140x889.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 16 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_4-1140x760.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 17 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_5-1140x760.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 5 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_6.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 9 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_7-1140x760.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 20 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_8.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 21 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_9-1140x760.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 22 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_10.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 12 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_11.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 24 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_12-1140x765.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 25 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_13-1140x987.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 3 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_14-1140x740.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 27 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_15.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 28 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_16.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 7 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_17-1140x761.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 30 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_18.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 4 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_19.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 32 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_20.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 33 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_21-1140x760.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 34 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_22.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 35 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_23-1140x753.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 10 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_24.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 37 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_25-1140x743.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 38 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_26-1140x855.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 39 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_27-1140x855.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 40 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_28-1140x855.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 1 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_29-1140x886.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 42 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/terra-cotta-workshop-tropical-space_30-1140x994.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 43 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-2-2-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 2 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-3-3-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 8 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-4-4-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 46 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-5-5-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 6 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-6-6-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 48 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-04-xuonggom-layout-page-7-7-1140x806.jpg)
![Terra Cotta Workshop / Tropical Space 11 Terra cotta workshop / tropical space](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/d3-8.jpg)
Project Location
Address: Quang Nam, Vietnam
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.