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Architecture | Residential & Houses

Binh Thanh House

Vo Trong Nghia Architects + Sanuki + NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS



  • Ho Chi Minh city - Vietnam
  • Vo Trong Nghia Architects + Sanuki + NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS
  • Vo Trong Nghia, Shunri Nishizawa, Daisuke Sanuki
  • Le Thi Anh Huyen, Nguyen Tuan Anh
  • Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the house is designed for a family of 5 with 3 different generations, old people, adult and young. The land context has many disadvantages from being located in a dusty, dense area as a result of the development and urbanization of the city. However, the land has advantages from the river and green space from Saigon Zoo.
    The concept set in the context of the house is how to combine two lifestyles of three different generations in a tropical climate; one is a natural and traditional lifestyle, utilizing natural lighting and ventilation with water and greenery, and the other is a modern and well-tempered lifestyle with mechanical equipment such as air-conditioners.
    To deal with those requirements, the house consists of two different spaces arranged alternately. Space for a modern lifestyle is divided into three floating blocks surrounded by patterned concrete blocks. Moreover, between the floating blocks are two spaces in the middle that are covered with glass and extend to the outside, where residents enjoy natural life with wind, sunlight, gardens and water.
    The volumes are moved back and forth to bring natural light between spaces, as well as create small gardens on each floor. The bottom of the floors becomes the ceiling for the in-between space and these surfaces are designed with various curved shapes, providing each space between different lighting effects. Bedrooms and other small rooms are semi-closed with 3 layers (pattern blocks, garden, glass) in floating blocks for added security and privacy. While the open in-between spaces are designed to be independent living spaces for two families.
    Pattern blocks, which used to be a quite popular device in Vietnam to get natural ventilation, are made of pre-cast concrete with 60cm width and 40cm height. It helps a lot to prevent harsh sunlight and heavy rain as well as to enhance privacy and safety.

    All solutions for Binh Thanh house come from local lifestyles and wisdom, which explain integrating natural life with modern lifestyles, offers an interpretation of the ecological lifestyle in the big cities.

  • Hiroyuki Oki
  • VTN Architects
Project description

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the house is designed for a family of 5 with 3 different generations, old people, adult and young. The land context has many disadvantages from being located in a dusty, dense area as a result of the development and urbanization of the city. However, the land has advantages from the river and green space from Saigon Zoo. The concept set in the context of the house is how to combine two lifestyles of three different generations in a tropical climate; one is a natural and traditional lifestyle, utilizing natural lighting and ventilation with water and greenery, and the other is a modern and well-tempered lifestyle with mechanical equipment such as air-conditioners. To deal with those requirements, the house consists of two different spaces arranged alternately. Space for a modern lifestyle is divided into three floating blocks surrounded by patterned concrete blocks. Moreover, between the floating blocks are two spaces in the middle that are covered with glass and extend to the outside, where residents enjoy natural life with wind, sunlight, gardens and water. The volumes are moved back and forth to bring natural light between spaces, as well as create small gardens on each floor. The bottom of the floors becomes the ceiling for the in-between space and these surfaces are designed with various curved shapes, providing each space between different lighting effects. Bedrooms and other small rooms are semi-closed with 3 layers (pattern blocks, garden, glass) in floating blocks for added security and privacy. While the open in-between spaces are designed to be independent living spaces for two families. Pattern blocks, which used to be a quite popular device in Vietnam to get natural ventilation, are made of pre-cast concrete with 60cm width and 40cm height. It helps a lot to prevent harsh sunlight and heavy rain as well as to enhance privacy and safety. All solutions for Binh Thanh house come from local lifestyles and wisdom, which explain integrating natural life with modern lifestyles, offers an interpretation of the ecological lifestyle in the big cities.


Project details
Location:Ho Chi Minh city - Vietnam
Studio NameVo Trong Nghia Architects + Sanuki + NISHIZAWAARCHITECTS
Lead designerVo Trong Nghia, Shunri Nishizawa, Daisuke Sanuki
Design teamLe Thi Anh Huyen, Nguyen Tuan Anh
Photography creditsHiroyuki Oki
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