AD+studio builds the 'stacking-roof-house' for a young couple in vietnam

realized by AD+studio for a young couple living and working in thai nguyen, vietnam, this private dwelling is characterized by its large, stacked volumes. designed to create a peaceful atmosphere while embracing a contemporary and youthful spirit, the ‘stacking-roof house’ seems almost inconspicuous from the street, but once inside, it opens to bright and airy spaces and a generous back garden.

all images © dung huynh

the project involves the fusion of two old houses to create one seamless and contemporary residence. the concrete frames of the two existing houses are retained and connected under new steel roof trusses to create a large span. this action by AD+studio not only clears the view of the garden on the ground floor but also increases the usable area of the first floor. it also creates a ‘stacked’ building effect to complement the surrounding urban environment.

the roof structure includes two parts that switch between opacity and shielding. the roof, made from poly material in combination with the glass block of the façade, not only makes the building translucent but also serves as a greenhouse for gardening. the shielding part, formed by two layers of colored corrugated steel sheet above a glass ceiling, generates convection currents, limiting heat gains as well as keeping the sense of the structural frame.

through the façade, the glass block walls in between the sidewalk and the front yard don’t provide much protection from the street. an area of the old house is therefore used for greenery in order to create a buffer space between the noise outside and the peace inside. through the narrow corridor – a hyphen between the front public space and the private one behind – a part of the garden appears so as to attract people’s curiosity. here, a low space is employed to emphasize the contrast with the large and airy space at the end of the corridor: the living space and the greenery. they mingle together and become one peaceful atmosphere.