Hanh said the main wooden framework had largely been fabricated and had entered the carving and sculpting stage. Installation of the timber frame on the palace foundations is expected to begin in June, followed by roofing with traditional yellow-glazed tiles.

Artisans will then complete decorative work including lacquer, gilding and ceramic mosaic ornamentation along the roof ridges and facade. At the same time, workers are reinforcing the palace’s foundations to ensure long-term structural stability.

“We aim to complete and hand over the project 10 to 12 months ahead of the original schedule,” Hanh said.

The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre said the project’s biggest challenge was unstable ground conditions, which had caused subsidence problems throughout the site’s history.

The palace site was historically influenced by rivers and canals that were redirected during the construction of the Hue Citadel. During the Nguyen Dynasty, local measures such as clay compaction and sand drainage pits were used, but these solutions did not fully resolve the problem.

To address the issue, the project has adopted reinforced concrete foundation systems beneath the structure, following approval by heritage and construction authorities.

According to the National Museum of History, Can Chanh Palace held a particularly important position in the Nguyen Dynasty court.

From the reigns of emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Tu Duc to Bao Dai, the palace served as the venue for regular royal court sessions, daily administrative work, diplomatic receptions and major ceremonies.