binh thanh house in vietnam by vo trong nghia architects

binh thanh house in vietnam by vo trong nghia architects
photo by hiroyuki oki
all images courtesy of vo trong nghia architects

vietnamese practice vo trong nghia architects has completed ‘binh thanh house’, a residence which responds to the region’s tropical climate through its blurred division of internal and external space. a collaborative project with sanuki + nishizawa architects, the dwelling is designed for two families, a couple in their sixties and their son’s young family. located on a busy street in a developing urban area of ho chi minh city (saigon), the site is also close to a river bank and surrounded with plenty of natural wildlife. 

the scheme blurs divisions of internal and external space
photo by hiroyuki oki

set against this contradictory backdrop, the house has been developed to accommodate two different lifestyles: a traditional way of living which utilizes light and ventilation, and conversely, a more modern approach using technologically advanced solutions to ensure that the home remains at an ambient temperature.

a spiral staircase connects the lower two levels of the property
photos by hiroyuki oki

wrapped in patterned and punctured concrete blocks, three elevated volumes contain the home’s living quarters. glazing covers the remaining voids, opening sight lines to the property’s surroundings. terraces reaffirm the scheme’s connection with the natural environment, providing external areas where residents can enjoy outdoor living with access to fresh air, sunlight and greenery.

the living quarters are wrapped in patterned and punctured concrete blocks
photos by hiroyuki oki

a living room located at the fourth storey
photo by hiroyuki oki

large openings offer views of the surrounding environment
photo by hiroyuki oki

a bedroom at the third storey
photos by hiroyuki oki

1/11

project info:

architectural firms: vo trong nghia architects, sanuki + nishizawa architects
principal architects: vo trong nghia, shunri nishizawa, daisuke sanuki
completed: june, 2013
program: private residence
location: binh thanh, ho chi minh city, vietnam
contractor: wind and water house JSC + danang company
overall area: 516 sqm, (basement: 75 sqm, 1F: 81 sqm, 2F: 81 sqm, 3F: 95 sqm, 4F: 95 sqm, 5F: 89 sqm)
site area: 140 sqm