Tropicana - Bamboo Renaissance

Tropicana - Bamboo Renaissance

Bamboo has always been an important part of the life and culture of Vietnamese villages. In the past, it was the main material used in building houses and making instruments. With the development of science and technology, new materials have been introduced and bamboo could not maintain its traditional role. It has, however, established a new foothold in the materials market for both modern and traditional projects. Bamboo has given designers unlimited inspiration for interior decoration, furniture and fine art articles.

At the International Trade Fair 14 held in Hanoi last April, the Tropicana enterprise received the Certificate of Merit for "Design of out-door tables and seats". The jury highlighted the artistic design and usefulness of the 9 sq m table and seating piece for 6-8 persons, which is collapsible for transport and export.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Van, owner of Tropicana, is passionate in creating products from bamboo and combines modern and traditional materials in her projects. The steel frame and roofing are covered by bamboo ensuring both strength and beauty, as well as allowing the installation of air conditioners. The biggest problem is the treatment of the bamboo to make it strong, beautiful and durable.

After several years of studying European architects and Vietnamese artisans, Ms. Van has designed and implemented projects and products in bamboo with modern and traditional styles such as, houses, restaurants, beds, cupboards, tables, seats and shelves. Currently, she is working on detachable houses with steel frames, ceramic tiles, stone, heat insulating roofing, rubber, wood, and bamboo with silver and brass covered tips.

Her projects include the Orchard of Phu Dien Tourist Centre, the Octagon Pavilion of Villa 1 Chu Van An Hanoi, Suoi Ngoc Resort, Trang An eco-tourism, and roof plans to create airy areas for urban houses. It is even more attractive because with a few million Vietnamese Dong one can have a bed-room or living room with a special style. In the summer time, in particular, bamboo creates a refreshing and friendly natural atmosphere.

As Ms. Van put it, she loves bamboo products for they are not only useful but also attractive, reminding us of our native regions: thorny bamboo from the Red River Delta, Hop from Hoa Binh and Phu Tho, Truc from Cao Bang, Ghe from Bac Can, Vau from Thanh Hoa, Le from the highlands (for bamboo screens) and Tam Vong from South Vietnam. He added that in foreign languages there is only one word for bamboo, while in Vietnam there are a dozen kinds of bamboo. Foreigners were joyful when she explained Tre duc (male bamboo) for it is cute and strong like a man.

• Hoang Thiep