Wazen Retreat is a four-story retreat villa located in Da Nang, Vietnam, just a short walk from My Khe Beach. The project was envisioned as a quiet sanctuary for healing and reflection, offering an alternative to conventional luxury villas by focusing on mindfulness, simplicity, and a strong connection with nature.
The house is built on a 450 sqm plot and faces west, which required specific solutions for heat and sunlight control. Exposed concrete walls, textured plaster, and layers of greenery act as a natural buffer, reducing solar radiation and creating a cooler indoor environment. Large openings, skylights, and ventilation gaps are strategically placed to ensure daylight and cross-ventilation throughout the building.
The façade combines raw concrete, terrazzo, and aluminum-framed glass in a minimalist yet solid composition. Greenery at the front and back of the house is arranged as a miniature tropical garden, together with the indoor garden and terrazzo swimming pool, further dissolving the boundary between inside and outside.
The interior continues this dialogue between rawness and refinement. American white oak finished with walnut oil, polished concrete floors, white terrazzo bathrooms, and natural fabrics create a restrained but warm palette. The six bedrooms (four King and two Twin) each feature retreat-style bathtubs and views of either the pool or the garden. The open-plan living–dining–kitchen area on the ground floor connects directly with the pool, encouraging communal use and interaction.
Beyond its physical spaces, Wazen Retreat is designed as a holistic experience. Guests are invited to practice meditation, journaling, tea rituals, and mindful dining. A dedicated “Zen Master” hosts and guides these activities, ensuring that architecture becomes more than shelter – it becomes part of a healing journey.
Team:
Design & Concept: Trai Architect
Client: Le Thanh Sang
Photography: Quang Dam
