The Creation of a "Traditional" Lodge
Tran Minh Thai, an avid advocate for the preservation of traditional architecture, and well-known for the Chung Pua Ancient House (Nhà Cổ Chúng Pủa) in Meo Vac, has spent over a decade searching for materials to build the H'Mong Stone Palace - Karsterly Rock Lodge.
In September 2022, he gathered skilled local H'Mong craftsmen to construct the lodge, a project aimed at reflecting traditional H'Mong architecture.
Description of the Dinh Đá H'Mông
The lodge features a unique design with a stone foundation, a central stone courtyard, and a two-story wooden house structure. The precious woods used in the house were collected from old stilt houses in the Ha Giang region, which are currently being replaced by concrete structures.
The lodge focuses on preserving traditional architecture, helping to maintain the region's cultural heritage while providing an authentic and meaningful experience for visitors. When staying at the Dinh Da H'Mong - Karsterly Rock Lodge, guests can immerse themselves in the local culture, learn about the H'Mong people, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Project: Integrating Highland Traditional Architecture into Hospitality
The H'Mong Stone Palace is a lodge that honors traditional ancient H'Mong architecture. The main house, which is the heart of the structure, features a wooden frame and a double roof covered in yin-yang roof tiles, creating a visually stunning scene.
- First Floor (Main House): The interior layout is designed simply, closely adhering to the traditional lifestyle of the H'Mong people. It consists of two bedrooms and a common hall, creating a warm and welcoming space. This common hall features a separate fireplace exclusively for guests staying in the main house.
- Second Floor (Main House): For those seeking a more private experience, the second floor offers five additional double rooms connected by a corridor. Each private room is equipped with its own en-suite bathroom facilities, ensuring guests have all the amenities needed to feel comfortable. Furthermore, the staircase leading to the second floor is located on the outdoor porch to maximize the space inside the guest rooms, and it is modified for easy access by the elderly and children.
- The Stilt House Section: On the first floor of the stilt house is an open living room, equipped with a fireplace and a tea-drinking area. Above this section is a dormitory room, which boasts its own fireplace and scenic views of the mountains, garden, and lodge grounds.