block architects encloses three-part house in vietnam with patterned brick shell

located in tra vinh, a coastal city in the southern part of vietnam, oldmeetsnew house by block architects is enclosed by a brick shell that protects interior spaces while filtering the inner microclimate. the house exists in harmony with its cross-cultural surroundings, built by generations of vietnamese, chinese and khmer, combining elements of traditional architecture with a contemporary spirit that ascribe to it a unique, individual character.

all images by quang dam

block architects has built the two-floor, 148 sqm residence on a floor plan that references traditional three-part country houses, which include three main areas in the heart and two bedrooms on either side. laying parallel to the adjacent empty land, these areas harness wind and natural light, circulating fresh air through buffers such as lobbies, porches and voids. inside, light patterns are formed through various parts of the brick shell that encloses the house, which is less denser at various parts.

‘seen from above, the house looks like two small pure white blocks contrasting with its separate brick shell,’ notes the vietnamese studio. ‘that is our metaphor for the relation between the old and the new, the private and the common, and the family’s generations. more importantly, it is the very family values which shelter and motivate all of us.’

project info:

name: oldmeetsnew house

architects: block architects

lead architects: đặng đức hoà, nguyễn việt khoa

location: trà vinh city, vietnam

area: 148 sqm