23o5studio renovates historic vietnamese dwelling to create 'the quê' retreat

a renovated retreat in vietnam

vietnam-based 23o5studio completes an architectural retreat that is at once contemporary and traditional, dubbed ‘the quê.’ the name of the work echoes ‘the return of those who leave their homeland.’ the structure is sited within a dense residential area in ho chi minh city, and stands as the renovation of an historic house. the design team introduces the project with the aim to create a quiet space for urban housing. the space is integrated with many functional uses, including a vegetarian restaurant, a small lake, a vegetable garden, a homestay, and a meditation area.

the space is organized to encourage recycling and sustainable solutions. the waste from the restaurant is reused as fish food and compost for the vegetable garden while water is collected from the pitched roof and repurposed to water the aquarium along with the vegetable garden.

23o5studio’s meditative space, ‘the quê’

the architects at 23o5studio make use of traditional materials in the renovation of ‘the quê.’ the palette includes raw bamboo, burlap, and woven bamboo sheets. the living space is elevated above the level of the street to separate the urban noise and create view overlooking the garden below. surrounding the structure is the tiled roof system, reducing the direct radiation of sunlight.

the stone material of the flooring succeeds in lowering the temperature of the interiors. open spaces including terraces, practice areas, yoga, and shoe changing areas are partially enclosed by the tiled roofs, creating a shaded threshold space before entering the house. the rooftop is a quiet area, serving for spiritual regeneration while the meditation space is surrounded by water and light.

a stone floor slab projects over the water and seems to float lightly

breezy interiors are shaded by low eaves

the meditation space is surrounded by water and indirect light 

the interiors are interwoven with lush plant life

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project info:

project title: the quê

architecture: 23o5studio

location: bình thạnh, vietnam

lead architects: ngô việt khánh duy
design team: hưng trần, mai tiến ninh, nguyễn minh, phạm đức minh, võ thanh linh

photography: hiroyuki oki