Who would have thought a modest house could transform into a warm and welcoming home amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Ho Chi Minh City? Well, it’s possible. This five-story narrow lot house has plenty of room for a couple with two children to live comfortably. It even has a sitting room that echoes the timeless tradition of tea and coffee drinking, a relaxed atmosphere that keeps conversations going. Well-thought-out design gives it a streamlined and simple look, while the interconnected interior speaks volumes for a strong family bond. The house is the brainchild of Story Architecture, a homegrown architectural practice in Vietnam.
The balconies enclosed by walls and railings are staggered throughout the façade in warm shades of brown. They provide places to sit back, relax and enjoy family time outdoors.
Built on a plot of land that’s unusually long in relation to its width (3.5 x 17 meters to be exact), the tall and skinny house offers 59.5 square meters of usable space. For privacy, there are three bedrooms plus communal spaces that form the heart of family life. They include a modern kitchen with dining room nearby, as well as a living room, an ancestral altar, and a swimming pool on the rooftop deck.
For added convenience, there is an elevator that provides access to all the rooms on five levels. Taking everything into account, the design team did an amazing job at integrating all the useful features in one small space.
Drawings of the mezzanine and the ground floor show an elevator shaft and sets of stairs at the rear of the house in relation to the living spaces and other functions located up front. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 2 and 3 show the master bedroom and one of the children’s bedrooms located at the front of the house. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureDrawings of Floors 4 and 5 show one of the children’s bedrooms and the rooftop swimming pool at the front of the house plan. / Courtesy of Story ArchitectureA drawing of the side elevation view in cross section illustrates the flow of air through openings in the walls at the front and the back of the building. / Courtesy of Story Architecture
The design concept centers around creating a more connected living space, one that’s well-lit and well-ventilated considering the warm and humid climate prevailing in the region. And that applies to all five levels, as well as the stairwell and the vertical shaft for the passage of an elevator located at the far end of the building.
The mezzanine contains a modern kitchen with dining room nearby. A skylight installed in the roof up front maximizes light and allows people inside to see out while preparing food.
By the looks of things, there are two features that stand out from the rest. First, the front of the house contains living spaces for the family plus a dining room and a kitchen located on the mezzanine. Then, the swimming pool on the rooftop deck conveys a great deal about genius ideas aimed at overcoming the problem of limited space in the city.
The swimming pool on the rooftop deck offers a panorama of Ho Chi Minh City.
That’s not all. To make a home feel more comfortable, choosing the right building material for the job is equally important. In this particular case, the rear walls built of breeze blocks provide ventilation, decoration and privacy. Plus, they protect the interior from rain and bad weather. Where appropriate, glass windows are put in place to maximize light streaming into the rear of the house. Other features that contribute significantly to the overall appearance are the balconies staggered throughout the front façade in rich warm tones of brown, an amazing design that makes the house unique in its own special way.
A bedroom embraces the beauty of simplicity illuminated by natural light.
All things considered, it’s a task that makes great demands on the team of architects who designed it. Not only is it about overcoming the problem of limited space, but it’s also about building a place that’s comfortable to live in, a well-detailed design with plenty of room to grow a family and promote positive communication. And this warm and inviting, five-story home is created to do exactly that.
No other place looks the epitome of a charming community like this neighborhood in southeast Da Nang. The area is no stranger to shopping streets lined with narrow front row houses commonplace throughout Vietnam. And that’s exactly the challenge that tests the ability of a design team at Tran Trung Architects. They are tasked with creating a small coffee shop combined with the owner’s residence on the second and third floors. The result is a clean, well-lighted shophouse named “Lei Ơi Càphê”, ơi being a word expressing love and affection in Vietnamese.
The coffee bar with a seating area nearby makes the entryway feel warm and welcoming.
On the outside looking in, it’s the image of a beautiful place thanks to the quaint, storybook façade and a front yard under tree cover. The healthy green foliage is quite a contrast to the building exteriors with burnt orange undertones. The storefront itself is covered in corrugated metal roofing turning a rusty brown. It’s a creative way to add vintage aesthetic to the modern terraced home. More than anything else, it doubles as an outdoor privacy screen providing peace and seclusion from busy movement and activity outside. Walk in the door, and enjoy life in the slow lane, not to mention the tantalizing aroma of fresh brewed coffee.
First floor plan: Open concept design makes the entryway, coffee bar and seating area feel light and airy. / Courtesy of Tran Trung ArchitectsSecond floor plan: Greenery is put in toward the middle of the house plan, separating the customer seating area up front from the owner’s residence tucked away at the rear. / Courtesy of Tran Trung ArchitectsThird floor plan: An open concept layout translates into improved foot traffic flow plus increased light and ventilation. / Courtesy of Tran Trung Architects
Meanwhile, open-concept spaces on the inside feel cohesive with everything blending together beautifully. There’s small courtyard, for lack of a better word, at the center of the house plan that’s illuminated by skylights built into the rooftop. On the whole, it’s the coming together of features produced by nature and a style of architecture that’s unique in its own special way. They work alongside each other to improve indoor air quality and excite interest as sunlight and shadow on the wall changes over time.
The view from above: metal stairs take a spiral course around a small interior courtyard, providing access to the upper floors.A stunning courtyard in the middle is illuminated by skylights built into the rooftop.A long table crafted of reclaimed wood looks out over the void of space on the second floor, making the interior feel light and airy.
There’s more. Central to its character is the concept known as “Reviving the Life Cycle”. Fundamentally, it’s about the 3 R’s, reduce, reuse and recycle as a way to manage waste by putting discarded material to good use and creating works of higher quality and value than the original. This is evidenced by the use of old corrugated metal roofing on the building façade, as well as crushed brick landscaping in the front yard and the path for walking along.
The façade of corrugated metal roofing in rusty browns speaks volumes for the 3 R’s of waste management – reduce, reuse and recycle to save planet Earth.
To create indoor thermal comfort, the east and south-facing walls are built of perforated bricks that offer a range of benefits, among them enhanced ventilation, moisture control and stunning geometric patterns in design. Small holes in the bricks let fresh air enter and circulate inside, thereby keeping the interior cool and comfortable even when it’s really hot outside. Where appropriate, the architects installed water mist systems at the top of the wall, a clever way to cool the room while cutting energy bills.
Perforated brickwork creates stunning patterns on the walls and improves air circulation in the interior.
In a few words, it’s the expert use of light and shadow that makes this small café stand out from the crowd. Touched by the sun, brick wall textures create beautiful effects, adding visual interest, depth and character to interior design. At the same time open-concept planning makes the room feel larger, resulting in a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. The fact of the matter is well-thought-out design has a role to play in enhancing customer experience.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Living ASEAN team /
A tight budget coupled with the problem of limited space in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown is a challenge that tests the architect’s abilities to overcome site constraints. In this particular case, it’s the renovation of an old three-story shophouse as a modern living space that’s done in accordance with city ordinances. More so than anything else, it’s a home tailored to the lifestyle needs of its occupants and improvements in living conditions. Thanks to well-thought-out strategies on the part of DRFJ (Design & Research by Fusinpaiboon & Jang), a model for home renovation projects was created. It can be used as an example for the general public to follow.
To begin with, the shophouse with three floors was a narrow lot place lacking light, fresh air and ventilation. The design team at DRFJ decided to apply the concept of “simple and more” to create a contemporary living space that’s within the law, more time efficient, and involving a relatively small cost. The secret to success lies in making the least amount of change to the existing building plan. They include wall openings, plus pillars and beams used as a support for the building. In this instance, the building plan is made up of three sections, each of which is four meters long.
There are stairs giving access to the upper floors, while the façade with external devices provide solar shading and ventilation. Taking everything into account, it’s quite a departure from the usual in terms of appearance. The result is an old home beautifully renovated to banish stuffy rooms by bringing fresh air and sunshine into the interior. Plus, there’s the overall vintage appeal in building materials that promotes originality and style. Most importantly, it’s a peaceful place of abode right in the middle of a big city. It provides a showcase of ideas for the general public to follow.
Despite the small area, the purposes of structures and spaces are clearly defined. The first floor has enough room for a carport well-lit and well-ventilated by wall openings at the front and the rear of the house adorned with greenery. Go further inside, and you come to a flight of terrazzo stairs giving access to the home office on the second floor. The low headroom is nicely compensated for by walls painted a cool-toned white that’s easy on the eye.
The first floor holds a carport that’s well-lit thanks to an exposed ceiling, while an opening at the rear provides controlled natural ventilation to the home. The space can be updated for a future business undertaking.A small green space breathes new life into an area at the back of the house. It’s made by taking out an add-on unit of construction and replacing it with plants.A view from below shows wall openings at the rear of the house designed to admit natural daylight and banish stuffy rooms.The beauty and functionality. Old wooden stairs are replaced by ones made of steel. The staircase without risers makes the hallway feel light and airy.
The workspace itself is illuminated by natural daylight shining in through balcony windows. As to be expected, the bedroom is tucked away on the third floor that’s more private and quiet, thanks to a double wall system glazed using clear glass that opens to a balcony. Proceed to rooftop deck which holds a sitting room adorned with greenery. The sitting room itself is roofed over with Sandwich Roof Panels, a lightweight material known for good heat insulation. Inside, a floating furniture layout makes it easy for future updates. Step outside, and you discover a small sky garden hemmed in by walls that have since been given a fresh coat of paint for easy cleaning.
The workspace on the second floor is neat and uncluttered with just the right amount of furniture.
The bedroom on the third floor is protected from heat and noise by a double wall system glazed using clear glass.The bathroom is well-lit by natural daylight, thanks to an array of awning windows glazed using frosted glass, while the walls are painted white to increase light and space.
Simply put, it’s the story of a home improvement done right, one made light, airy and comfortable by careful planning in spite of the problem of limited space and a tight budget. Furthermore, because it’s a shophouse converted into a home, there’s without doubt a look that imitates the style of the previous era, yet it blends beautifully into the community. From DRFJ’s points of view, it’s the prototype of a home from which other design can be developed, a preliminary model that’s open to the general public.
Panes of glass fixed at an angle projecting outward from the main wall bear some resemblance to the beautiful bay window.A small green space on the rooftop deck provides many benefits. Hemmed in by breeze block walls, it’s a relaxing space with a view of the cityscape.
Join us for insights on creating urban homes that maximize quality of life. The room Books X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 on the theme of “(Re)Thinking inside the Box: Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces” is a discussion event in English focusing on urban living opportunities and design challenges that need to be resolved. It’s aimed at creating an awareness and knowledge among the general public about the importance of design in residential development within the context of city life across Southeast Asia.
The discussion will be in English. It’s open to everyone who is interested. There is no admission fee. Seats are limited. Please preregister at https://cooll.ink/DesigntalkLA/
Looking forward to seeing you all at Hall MR 214-216, Second Floor, BITEC Bang Na on August 4, 2024 from 1300 to 1530 hours. It’s happening as part of the Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2024.
/ Story: Lily J. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /
This three-story urban home belonging to a nuclear family is located in Binh Thanh, a district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Needless to say, it’s an urban neighborhood characterized by overcrowding and lack of green spaces. That’s where architect Sanuki Daisuke comes into play and turns environmental challenges into a solution. The result is a home tailored to the small family’s specific needs, one that’s comfortable, well-lit and well-ventilated despite the problem of limited space.
A massive curved ceiling of raw concrete has the most prominent position in the entryway holding a semi-outdoor sitting room. It’s separated from the front yard by a façade of decorative metalwork.
By design, the house’s public spaces are placed on the first and second floors. They consist of a semi-outdoor communal space that’s shared by all members of the family. There is a dining room, with reading nooks and green spaces nearby that open to bring natural daylight and fresh air into the home.
Meanwhile, the private spaces holding only two bedrooms are perfectly adequate for family needs. They are tucked away on the third floor that’s quiet and secluded. The rooms are made somewhat smaller than usual so as to increase the size of empty spaces in the home. For the most parts, Vietnamese homes tend to have more bedrooms as a way to accommodate visiting houseguests.
Drawings of the house plan illustrate space utilization ideas on every level, including the rooftop. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects
A trio of front elevation drawings shows how curved designs are integrated in different parts of the building. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke ArchitectsA side elevation drawing illustrates space utilization in relation to openings in the wall and rooftop designed to admit daylight and provide natural ventilation. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke ArchitectsA perspective drawing in cross section shows the integration of curved ceilings in the design of the second floor. / Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke ArchitectsThe front door and house façade of perforated metalwork beautifully merge to form a cohesive unit. In combination, they open to admit light and provide natural ventilation to the home.
A folding door system opens wide from one end to the other admitting daylight and providing natural ventilation to keep the home cool.The entryway up front can be seen in full view from inside the dining room and sitting room at the rear.An open floor plan makes the first floor feel larger, giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation.
Up front, the first floor holds a sunlit courtyard beneath a distinct curvature that bears some resemblance to an underground chamber in a hillside. At the same time, high ceiling design makes the entry area look so inviting.
The rounded contour, also known as “vom” in Vietnamese, serves a dual purpose. It creates good visual flow between the first and second floors, while providing a passage leading to rooms and functional spaces in the home.
Small openings in various sizes at the top of a wall keep the second floor well-lit and well-ventilated.
Curving contours, or “vom” in Vietnamese, take pride of place in the sitting room and reading nook on the second floor. Together they create good visual flow connecting all the rooms in the home.A relaxing reading nook on the second floor is illuminated by reflected sunlight, while natural ventilation keeps the interior cool and comfortable.An ample amount of space on the second floor and nearby stairway promotes natural ventilation in the house.
Extending directly beneath the curving contour, the house façade of perforated metalwork separates the front yard from a sitting room at the front. It’s designed to admit daylight and provide controlled natural ventilation to the home.
The sitting room is connected to a kitchen and dining room nearby via a folding door system that opens wide from one end to the other. From here, the reading nook on the second floor is clearly visible under the double height curved ceiling. Taken as a whole, the interior is cool and comfortable thanks to fresh, outdoor air coming in through the front door.
The bedroom on the third floor is breezy, uncluttered and illuminated by natural daylight.
Because it’s such a clean, well-lighted place, the homeowner couple sees potential in it developing into a house-cum-café in the future. The idea comes in handy since the family’s private living spaces are hidden away on the third floor. Plus, the open concept house plan provides many benefits, among them improved traffic flow, adequate daylight and good air circulation at every turn.
Concrete surfaces are left unfinished by design after being cast using bamboo strips, creating shadows that change throughout the day.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life in Ho Chi Minh City, the house feels comfortable, light and airy thanks to great attention to detail. By design, it’s an urban living space that seeks reconnections with nature, a house made attractive by curved design just like the architect intended.
Join us for insights on creating urban homes that maximize quality of life. The room Books X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 on the theme of “(Re)Thinking inside the Box: Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces” is a discussion event in English focusing on urban living opportunities and design challenges that need to be resolved. It’s aimed at creating an awareness and knowledge among the general public about the importance of design in residential development within the context of city life across Southeast Asia.
The discussion will be in English. It’s open to everyone who is interested. There is no admission fee. Seats are limited. Please preregister at https://cooll.ink/DesigntalkLA/
Looking forward to seeing you all at Hall MR 214-216, Second Floor, BITEC Bang Na on August 4, 2024 from 1300 to 1530 hours. It’s happening as part of the Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2024.
/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Ratthee Phaisanchotsiri /
Aptly named “Our Home”, a pair of houses stands on the same property, suggesting the truth about the importance of family and building a peaceful society. The bigger house is designed for occupancy by the homeowner, while the smaller one is Mother’s residence. On the whole, there is beauty in simplicity and the way of life relevant to both of them. The concept of design is evidenced by the use of vernacular building materials and contemporary gable roof ideas that are straightforward, warm and inviting.
The main building is a two-story home that’s simple yet attractively modern.
From the design perspective, the principal building is a two-story home with three-bedroom three-bath suites under a steep pitch roof. The basic elements of design paired with the landscape speak the language of architecture that’s easy to understand. Walk in the door, and you come to a bright and airy hallway giving access to all the rooms, at the same time blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
Courtesy of Homesook StudioCourtesy of Homesook StudioCourtesy of Homesook StudioCourtesy of Homesook Studio
A staircase nearby is built against the south wall glazed using clear glass alternating with louvered wood shutters for light control and ventilation. On the side facing the hallway, a handrail provides stability for walking up and down stairs.
Opposite the stairs, an open kitchen designed for easy moving affords a view of an inner courtyard with a thriving shade tree in the middle. It grows to fill the void of space on the second floor, creating a visual connection with nature and bringing the home office and private residential areas into contact.
The staircase leading to the second floor is built against the wall glazed with clear glass alternating with louvered wood shutters for light control.The kitchen is enclosed by glass walls and sliding doors, creating clearly distinguishable boundaries.A passage on the outside of the building overlooks a courtyard offering green spaces, fresh air and the joy of home.
The mother’s home is a single-story building with an open floor plan made for plain and simple living. There’s a sitting room adjacent to a pantry capable of adapting to changing needs. It holds two bedrooms and a bath with all the functionality for receiving visiting family members.
A platform along the exterior provides a connection between inside and outside. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to wall openings, windows and doorways working in tandem to keep the house cool and comfortable. The two buildings share the same vernacular building materials and features, forming a delightful and consistent whole.
The living room inside Mother’s home has oversized glass door systems that open to connect with the main house.
Mother’s bedroom is a plain, well-lighted place thanks to a large glass door system.
Everything changes with the passage of time, and somewhere along the line this pair of houses is changing with it. Previously an empty space, the backyard garden is now bursting with vegetable and herb gardens thriving luxuriantly. An outdoor area provides room for a playground with swings and miniature houses for kids.
A garden pathway meanders gently through the pea gravel courtyard between the two homes.
Like nature intended, they create a conducive learning environment. Above all else, the courtyard between the two homes serves the purpose of strengthening family bonds. It’s a place to sit together, talk together and shoot the breeze. In a few words, there’s nothing like “Our Home”, so to speak.
/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Quang Tran /
This small shophouse in Ho Chi Minh City has been renovated to answer the specific needs of a family of four and their pet cats. From time to time, Grandma comes by to watch the little children and stay overnight. As may be expected of the narrow-front dwelling ubiquitous across Vietnam’s urban landscapes, the house plan is much longer than it is wide, plus there is a problem.
A view from the street, perforated metal panels painted a cool-toned white provide privacy protection.
Facing the northwest direction, the front façade gets full afternoon sun causing heat gain inside the already tiny home lacking fresh air and ventilation. It’s amazing how a well-thought-out makeover changes everything, resulting in a bright and airy living space.
The perforated metal fence gate works in tandem with the principal face of the building creating a transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.Arranged on a long and narrow plan, the sitting room up front is separated from living spaces at the rear by a small green oasis lit by a rooftop skylight.
The homeowners sought the advice of professionals, THIA Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City, to improve the situation. After thorough site inspections, a team of designers came up with a plan to renovate the front of the house in two parts.
First, at ground level the old opaque fence gate was removed and replaced by a new one made entirely of perforated steel sheets. Little holes in the steel panels let fresh outdoor air pass through and circulate inside, meanwhile providing diffused light and improving home privacy.
Then, on top of the fence gate a framework of metal bars is put in, anchored securely to the concrete wall up front. Designed as a support for climbing plants, it rises as high as the roof eave, creating in a double layer façade that’s beautiful and capable of keeping the heat out. At least that’s the future plan.
[Left] A trio of drawings illustrates space utilization on the first and second floors as well as the rooftop skylight. / [Right] A street map shows the house location in relation to others in the neighborhood. / Courtesy of THIA Architecture[Left] A side elevation view in cross section shows the relationship between natural and built-up environments. / [Right] A concept of decorative patterns on the house façade seen from the street. / Courtesy of THIA Architecture
An open floor plan creates a smooth flow from the sitting room to dining room and a small green space lit by a rooftop skylight.A sunlit small courtyard, for lack of a better word, brightens the room at the center of the house plan.Sitting nook design ideas under a gable roof provide a gimmick intended to evoke memories of Vietnam’s rustic countryside.Grandma’s bedroom tucked away at the rear is a calm personal living space well-lit by natural daylight.
Walk through the metal fence gate, and you discover a small terrace bringing in natural light and fresh air into the family living room with a kitchen and dining room nearby.
Grandma’s bedroom is tucked away at the rear of the house plan, separated from the sitting room up front by a small interior green space illuminated by a rooftop skylight. By design, it’s an added feature that solves the problem of stale air and stuffy room once and for all.
Its small size notwithstanding, the interior green space exudes the simplicity and charm considered typical of the Vietnamese countryside. It looks neat and is well cared for. Plus, weather-beaten wood and vintage earthen roof tiles provide a gimmick intended to attract attention.
From here, a set of stairs lead to the second floor holding the principal bedroom up front, separated from two bedrooms for kids by the void of space above the tiny center courtyard.
The stairway and its surrounding walls are illuminated by a skylight built into the rooftop.Split level layout ideas paired with a mezzanine add intrigue and interest to interior design.
The bedroom wall facing the void of space above the yard opens to admit light and fresh air.
A custom made window in just the right size opens to connect with the inner courtyard, a clever hack to avoid stale air and stuffy summers.
In closing, it’s the story of a little house made comfortable, bright and airy by well-thought-out design. The center courtyard, for lack of a better word, provides a communal space shared by all members of the family, the result of a renovation done right that makes a small home a happy home.
A set of stairs gives access to children’s bedrooms at the rear, separated from the principal bedroom up front by the void of space above the sunlit small courtyard.
/ Story: muanpraes / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Trieu Chien /
People change locations at some point in time, and reasons to move are aplenty. Among others, the desire for better living is pretty common. The same applies here, as this young family has discovered. Their new address is a one-story brick home made attractive by the earthy reddish brown of perforated brick facades set amid lush greenery.
Perforated brick facades regulate fresh air and natural daylight streaming into the home and double as outdoor privacy screens.
Named “TB House”, it’s nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Son La, a city in Vietnam’s Northwest.
For the young married couple who lives here, everything about it brings back childhood memories, those carefree days of summer and a home snug by the warmth of beautiful landscapes. Bestowed with mountains, forests and rivers, Son La comes in useful as the right location for their new home.
The husband, who knew the geographical area very well, came across this piece of land during a weekend house hunting trip. It lies on the crest of a wooded hillside with dark green forests in the background.
Small rock formations stick out of the ground where large trees stand as if nature has left a lasting imprint. Almost instantly he got to thinking about building a humble abode here. The question was how to leave everything where it’s always been.
A vaulted ceiling extends upward to the ridge beam at the apex of the roof, creating a volume of overhead space in the family living room. Underneath it, perforated brick facades admit fresh air and natural light into the interior.
And that was where the design team at Trung Trần Studio was brought into play. They were tasked with creating a home that would best fit the owners’ needs, at the same time conserving all the existing natural elements in the landscape – the hillside, the trees, the rock formations and, most important of all, its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
A diagrammatic representation shows the positioning of living spaces and functional areas disposed around greenery-filled courtyards designed to create indoor thermal comfort. / Courtesy of Trung Trần Studio
The result is a one-story, split-level brick home with breathing brick facades thoughtfully devised to regulate fresh outdoor air and natural daylight streaming into the interior. And it’s achieved without cutting down existing trees on the property.
The floor plan simply has abrupt alternate left and right turns to avoid cutting down the trees, ascending a small mound to stop at a bank of stone that makes the retaining wall protecting the backyard garden.
An open-concept floor plan improves foot traffic flow between rooms, turning a modest amount of space into clean, well-lighted interiors.
A curious mix of graphic tiles on the kitchen backsplash adds intrigue and interest to interior design.
On the whole, it’s a simple house plan starting with a paved platform up front that serves as a car park. A set of concrete steps leads to the front door that opens to the entrance hall, while the dining room and kitchen lies furthest to the rear.
There’s a playroom by the small inner courtyard that ensures the little children can be seen in full view from anywhere inside the home.
A set of rustic log table and bench seats lines the corridor connecting the front of the house to the secluded residential area tucked away at the farthest end.
The family living room with wood wall paneling is invitingly comfortable by any standards. At the farthest end lie three bedrooms, tucked in a calm secluded area away from noise and distractions. For privacy, all the bedrooms have windows that open to charming backyard garden views.
From an architectural point of view, the breathing wall concept offers many advantages. Among others, it creates a sense of connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
High above, the uppermost branches of the trees provide shade keeping the home cool during summer months. They blend with retaining rock walls that add usable land for planting and relaxation. At the same time, the roofs made of fired clay tiles are covered in slow-growing lichens reminiscent of homes in times past.
A retaining rock wall creates usable space for planting, while a roof made of clear polycarbonate sheeting protects a utility/wash room at the rear from the elements.
A bird’s eye view illustrates the house plan with greenery-filled courtyards in relation to neighboring homes and lush woodlands in the background.
Taken as a whole, it’s a vintage-inspired humble abode that exudes a timeless appeal as evidenced by the use of simple building supplies sourced from within the community. Needless to say, the lush landscape makes it feel cozy and warm, while architectural details enhance the easy lifestyle and advocate for sustainability.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitawkong /
/ Photographs: Paul Phan /
A gable front townhouse with a high-pitched roof stands out from the rest in a peaceful neighborhood of Phan Rang-Thap Cham, a coastal city in Ninh Thuan Province about four hours’ ride from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The limited amount of space notwithstanding, the indoor environment is surprisingly comfortable thanks to a small inner courtyard designed for improved natural light and ventilation.
Using wood adds visual interest to the indoor environment, improves acoustics and balances out the coarseness of concrete surfaces.
Named “QAH”, the three-story terraced house offering 220 square meters of living space is the brainchild of Q&A Architects, an architectural practice based in Phan Rang-Thap Cham. As to be expected in a dense urban environment, the company was tasked with creating a townhouse that would strike the right balance between work and the fast pace of city life.
A detailed diagram shows all three levels of the house plan. As a whole, 30 percent of the total space is dedicated to open areas filled with lush greenery. / Courtesy of Q&A Architects
After examining the nature of the site and exploring public realm (a shared space in the community), the design team came up with a three-story townhouse plan with roughly 30 percent of total living and functional spaces dedicated to open areas front and back for relaxation. Plus, there’s a small interior yard under the stairs brightened up by an array of skylights built into the rooftop.
The indoor environment feels invitingly comfortable, thanks to a greenery-filled yard enclosed within the building.
That’s not all. Everywhere, smart home functions blend perfectly into convenient interior design hiding in simplicity. Take for example the terrace leading to the front door that’s covered in stone pavers and adorned with greenery thriving under tree cover. To create charm, good looks, the walls are built of wood painted an earthy dark brown that balances out the coarseness of nearby concrete surfaces.
Walk in the door, and you come into the entrance hall connected to a neat and clean dining room and kitchenette. Close at hand, the small inner courtyard lies illuminated by skylights directly above. And beyond, a quiet, secluded office nook hides in plain sight at the farthest end of the room.
Using wood adds visual interest to the indoor environment, improves acoustics and balances out the coarseness of concrete surfaces.A bright interior courtyard under the stairs separates an office nook at the rear from the dining room and kitchenette up front.
In a nutshell, it’s thoughtfully devised to let nature permeate, yet it fits in well with the homeowner’s needs and circumstances. Among the features that create work-life balance in the home, the stairwell at the midpoint of the house plan eliminates the need for mechanical ventilation and artificial light during daytime hours.
A flight of stairs built flush with the adjoining walls separates an office nook at the back from the dining room up front.
The principal bedroom on the second floor is cozy and spacious, thanks to the vaulted ceiling that follows the pitch of the roof. The ceiling and the walls are painted a cool-toned cream, while a sofa set in dark brown and bedding in muted green accent the background colors in the room. Up front, large windows open to admit natural daylight and fresh outdoor air stream into the interior, a perfect combination of colors and textures by any standards.
The principal bedroom on the second floor feel relaxed, thanks to a sofa set in earthy brown and well-positioned large windows affording a view of the cityscape.
The stairway leading to the third floor is brightened up by skylights casting shadows and colors on rough sandy textures on the walls. Together they work in tandem turning the home into a comfortable living space despite space constraints and a narrow frontage abutting the street.
A skylight system built into the rooftop lights up the stairway and a courtyard directly below.
As one would reasonably expect, the third floor holds an ancestral shrine symbolic of Vietnamese folk religion. It’s a mezzanine with an uninterrupted view of the entire interior. Carefully thought out, the courtyard directly below can be seen in full view from here.
A system of skylights built into the rooftop brightens up the spacious, well-ventilated stairwell, a clever hack to create calm and peaceful interiors.
At the very heart of design thinking, the gable front townhouse named “QAH” is made for easy, simple living, and in the fewest possible words, a house plan that strikes the right balance between work and life in the city.
A bird’s eye view of the gable front townhouse in relation to other homes in the neighborhood.
/ Story: Phattaraphon / English version: Bob Pitawkong /
/ Photographs: Minq Bui /
Can’t wait to escape all the noise and pollution? Here’s Phu Yen House a one-story home amid lush landscapes way out in the country. It’s made comfortable by light and breezy inner courtyards with a plunge pool. Plus, ultraclean white walls give peace of mind knowing family privacy is protected.
Immaculate white exteriors protect the single-story home from high winds, providing a safe and cozy family getaway in Vietnam’s countryside.
The house is in Phu Yen, a south-central province at the midpoint between Ho Chi Minh City and the Da Nang/Hue Region on the South China Sea. It’s the holiday getaway of a family who has lived and worked a long time in the city. Inspired by simple living, they discover the countryside has never lost its allure. And Phu Yen comes in as a handy location to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Walk in the door, and you find a spacious courtyard under skylights, adorned with lush foliage on one side and exotics thriving in containers on the other.The ground floor plan illustrates the feel and functionality of different areas in relation to landscapes in the front yard and at the rear. / Courtesy of Story Architecture
Named “Phu Yen House”, it’s a secluded family retreat during summer and public holidays in Vietnam. For the little children, the single-story home is a pleasant and fun place in which to grow, learn and play, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Curved symmetrical openings in the wall give access to a communal room without glass partition doors designed for good ventilation.Curved symmetrical openings in the walls give a sense of connectedness of all things in the house plan.The quiet, secluded wing holding bedrooms (left) is separated from the communal space (right) by a sheltered patio connected to the courtyard and, beyond, the front door at the farthest end.
The white house among the trees is the brainchild of Story Architecture, a design atelier based in Ho Chi Minh City. Its immaculate white walls are built high for a good reason – provide safety and protection from prying eyes. From a distance, accents of green on the front door prove an interesting complement to the perfectly neat and clean walls.
An altar at the center of the communal space provides a means to spiritually connect with family ancestors.
A small sitting nook at the far end creates a relaxing atmosphere by the plunge pool.Everything the children need for a fun day at the pool.
Step inside. It’s a wow! The inner courtyard enclosed by the walls is spacious. There are no glass partition doors or solid structures dividing the interiors into smaller rooms.
Lush houseplants develop vigorously on one side, while exotics thrive in containers on the other. In the in-between space, a sheltered communal area with distinctive green accents lies, separating the courtyard from a nearby plunge pool made for kids.
Flanked by the patio and the plunge pool, an area behind the altar offers plenty of ample space for a dining room and kitchen.
For peace and quiet, the bedrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room are situated at the farthest ends. Everywhere, curved symmetrical structures span openings in the walls. They form readily distinguishable areas characterized by a plain and uncluttered appearance, making the home safe for children.
A sheltered patio provides access to the quiet, private wing containing bedrooms.
Completely shut out from the outside world, the bedroom with an oversized bed opens to a small personal courtyard.A young tree provides shade to the small courtyard covered in stone pavers.
More than anything else, it’s a home built on a budget, which is evidenced by the use of simple building supplies sourced directly from within the community. Plus, the house plan is uncomplicated, easy to keep clean and tidy. It’s without doubt a dream home safe and snug in the warmth of Vietnam’s countryside.
/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /
/ Photographs: Markus Gortz /
Amidst a beautiful mountain landscape, a steel frame home looks lightweight under a canopy of overhanging trees in Mae Rim District, roughly 15 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai’s downtown. It’s tucked away in a cozy corner of a peaceful neighborhood blending seamlessly into the dark green of nearby woodlands. Upfront a natural water pond lies hemmed in by the U-shaped house plan, creating an environmentally friendly living space. Needless to say, it’s invitingly comfortable, calm and peaceful thanks to the crisp cool mountain air passing through all day. Nothing compares to living close to nature.
Its spacious floor plan affords a whopping 800 square meters of living, functional and utility spaces snug by the warmth of a northern countryside. The brainchild of Design Qua, an architectural practice based in Bangkok, the house among the trees is designed to be in harmony with nature. This can only come from a profound understanding of the place, knowledge of the local climate and efforts at maintaining ecological balance long term.
A drawing illustrates the various component parts of a U-shape house plan in relation to the courtyard under tree cover and a water pond that’s the centerpiece of landscape design. / Courtesy of Design QuaA diagram of the second floor shows the private residential wing at the far end, utility areas on the left, and the multipurpose wing holding a welcome area in the foreground. / Courtesy of Design QuaA side-elevation view of the U-shaped house plan in cross section illustrates the physical interactions between man and nature, as evidenced by the positioning of living spaces linked by a system of corridors, balconies and verandas overlooking the courtyard with a water pond. / Courtesy of Design Qua
That being said, structural steel framing comes in as a handy building technique. Among other advantages, vertical steel columns take up less space than do concrete ones. This helps to avoid damaging the root system of a rain tree standing close by. Steel frames provide a stronger, more durable structure than concrete does. Plus, it’s lightweight and faster to construct. Overall, they are the key attributes that give the home its character.
Steel framing for building construction offers many advantages. Among others, it takes up less space and provides flexibility in design as evidenced by a system of pathways connecting to all parts of the home. Plus, it promotes good ventilation and interactions between nature and humankind.
Typical of homes in the Northern Region, passive design strategies take priority over any other matter. Correct building orientation ensures there are enough openings in the walls to admit natural daylight and fresh outdoor air into the home, while texture applied to walls and ceilings create shadows and an even concentration of warm soft light in the interior.
Named Maerim House, the two-story steel home is built on a U-shaped floor plan with a courtyard containing a natural water pond occupying the in-between space.
The house consists of three parts. First, the north wing holds a garage upfront leading to the main entrance with a warm and cozy welcome room. The ground is covered with new top soil, paved and polished to give it a neat and clean surface. The raised floorboard ensures safety in case of heavy rain.
The second part of the house plan is raised at plinth height 60 centimeters above the ground. All the equipment and utility spaces are here, among them washing and drying machines plus a work studio at the far end right next to a rather unique circular bathroom.
The third and final section of the home holds a quiet, secluded residential area. The downstairs consists of a kitchen complete with dining and sitting rooms plus a bedroom for guest accommodation. It’s accessed by a veranda tiled in different colors and textures that blend with surrounding courtyard landscapes. Close at hand, the overhanging branches of a rain tree spread above the water’s edge providing crisp, cool shade.
The counter enclosed by an overlapping clapboard of reclaimed timber adds vintage appeal to the kitchen and dining area.For a good first impression, the welcome wing is enclosed by glass walls and sliding doors that open to admit natural daylight and fresh outdoor air into the room.
A set of steps illuminated by recessed lights gives access to a two-meter-wide veranda overlooking the water pond that’s the focal point of the courtyard landscape.
Nearby, an apparently lightweight set of stairs next to a breeze block wall provides access to the second floor holding the principal bedroom. From here, a hallway connects to a living area and a circular bathroom and, beyond, two other bedrooms tucked away at the far end. On the outside of the building, a spacious balcony affords beautiful views of the rain tree and lush courtyard landscapes.
Separate but not divided. Breeze block walls painted a muted shade of green clearly define the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, at the same time providing visual continuity between the two worlds.A yoga pavilion at the rear of the house affords a beautiful panorama of wooded hills and surrounding mountains stretching farther than the eye can see.
For indoor thermal comfort, the house’s wooden floorboard is made up of long planks recycled from older homes, resulting in a feel and appearance that make people feel calm. The interior decor is simple yet elegant, featuring the simplicity of a mix-and-match between old and contemporary items. The furnishings mostly sourced from within the region bespeak the homeowner’s love for pleasingly graceful styles adorned with beautiful works of handicraft.
The upstairs bedroom boasts the simplicity of a floorboard made up of reclaimed wooden planks installed with narrow grooves in between, creating a texture that’s the only one of its kind.Tall wall ideas provide ample room for an awning window hinged at the top. It opens and shuts as needed to regulate fresh outdoor air streaming into the upstairs bedroom.An accent wall in the downstairs living room is tiled in different colors symbolizing variety, with a fireplace directly across from it radiates timeless appeal.
To create a restful atmosphere, perforate brick walls are painted earthy light green that visually blends with the darkness of nearby wooded hills in the landscape. For a lightweight look, the home is roofed over with metal sheeting with extended overhangs protecting the glass walls from the elements. At the end of the gutter, rain chains direct the flow of water from the rooftop to the ground in a more controlled way.
Taken as a whole, it’s a beautiful amalgam of natural and built environments. Built largely of bricks and reclaimed timber, the steel frame home successfully merges into the complex woodland ecosystems that are the pride and joy of this part of Chiang Mai. By design, it’s a simple structure inspired by a yearning desire to live closer to nature. And that’s exactly the point. Gorgeous!
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Two Homes Built of Local Materials as a Way to Foster Family Bonds
