THE INCLUSIVE OASIS

Project idea

The construction of public restrooms in coastal tourist areas today often lacks harmony with the natural landscape and fails to utilize environmentally friendly materials, leading to visual pollution and environmental degradation. This negatively impacts the visitor experience and the image of the tourist site. Moreover, many facilities are unsafe and inconvenient to use, with issues such as poor drainage systems, slippery surfaces that can cause accidents, and risks of harassment or attacks in public toilets.
Therefore, it is essential to focus on designs that are not only environmentally appropriate but also ensure safety, create a friendly public space, and encourage user interaction. The proposed solution aims to be in harmony with nature, protect the environment, ensure user safety, serve multiple purposes, and be replicable across various beach areas.

Project description

The site is located in VT-2, one of four designated areas on Ngoc Vung Beach, Ha Long.
Ngoc Vung Island is a pristine island in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. It is one of Quang Ninh’s most attractive tourist destinations. Ngoc Vung Beach lies in the southern part of the island, over 30 kilometers from the mainland, making boats or canoes the only means of transportation to reach it. The landscape remains largely untouched, featuring clear blue seas, white sandy beaches, interspersed with greenery and forested mountains.
With such an extensive stretch of beach, we propose a horizontally extended design, dividing the structure into smaller volumes to enhance ventilation and allow multi-directional access. The complex consists of five functional blocks, creating visual corridors through the building, enhancing multi-directional accessibility, and harmonizing with nature. The water tank block is elevated for easier storage and installation, while also serving as a focal point. Rounding the corners of the mass not only creates a sculptural, organic form that harmonizes with nature but also enhances the building’s aerodynamics and ventilation. The roof and lower parts of the masses are raised to let wind flow through, improving ventilation. Concrete roof clad with metal sheets to drain water gaps. The roof has a glass section, allowing sunlight to enter the interior of the facility.

Technical information

The approach focuses on using materials that are readily available on Ngoc Vung Island, sustainable yet aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, easy to construct, and environmentally friendly: Concrete, wood cladding, non-slip Quang Ninh blue stone, Low-E glass.
The plan reuses handwashing and shower (gray) water for toilet flushing—an effective, eco-friendly water-saving solution. Since this water remains clean enough for non-potable uses like flushing, it significantly reduces daily clean water consumption, conserves resources, and lessens pollution entering waterways. Additionally, installation costs are low, making it suitable for widespread use along the beach and easing the demand on clean water supply.
The restroom uses motion-sensor lights that turn on when occupied. The light glows outward, letting people outside know if the restroom is in use. This helps prevent issues like assaults, allows timely rescue of trapped or unconscious users, and enhances overall safety.