a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia

coco house: when glass bricks and mirrors combine 

 

In Vietnam’s Sóc Trăng province, tucked between ordinary townhouses, ‘Coco House’ captivates passersby with its sculptural glassy silhouette, evoking 1930s decor. Local architect Trong Duy Le was tasked to renovate the two-story home for a middle-aged couple, drawing inspiration from ‘CoCo,’ a 2016 Pixar Film that tells the heartwarming story of family affection and intergenerational connection from the beyond. The movie’s nostalgic value was gently incorporated into the renovation by building a new spatial ambiance that bridges reality with virtuality through a poetic arrangement of glass bricks and reflective surfaces.

 

At certain angles, the resulting glass-and-mirror design introduces duplicating illusions and an infinity mirror effect that expand the sense of space within the narrow-width townhouse. ‘Some details in the house are only half-designed, and once reflected by the mirror, they will appear as a complete pattern,’ explains Duy Le. 

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
all images © Trieu Chien

 

 

‘Coco House’ incorporates glass bricks to imitate wave patterns, a subtle nod to the Western water region of Vietnam, while emphasizing the curvy aesthetic sweeping across the facade. The hazy glass texture allows plenty of natural light to pour in during the day without compromising the owners’ privacy. More so, when night falls, the glassy silhouette switches to a glowing lantern, radiating the warmth of interior lights. 

 

‘The design utilizes ventilation brick to ensure protection from rainy weather. It also allows air circulation from the facade to every nook and cranny. The selection and arrangement of the ventilation bricks, which have been under thorough consideration from the architect, are set up in different directions for aesthetic aspects as well as functioning as drainage and ventilator,’ adds the architect

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
a poetic display echoes throughout the house

 

 

a mixed-used space with its own microclimate

 

Program-wise, the dwelling spans two floors and essentially functions as both a co-living and working space. The first level hosts a fishpond, parking space, private clinic, lounge area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The second floor features an integrated bedroom and library, a catholic altar, and a storage room.

 

Responding to the owners’ love for planting, Duy Le also peppered the interiors with five different-sized gardens and plenty of hanging plants. Beyond offering relaxation areas and personal value, the planted interior also provides the home with its own microclimate by regulating noise, dust, humidity, and cooling. One of the most characteristic features of ‘Coco House’ is the Koi fish pond exuding a minimalistic and spacious atmosphere. ‘The fishpond not only provides a scenic element but also adjusts the microclimate for the living space,he notes. As an added effect, Duy Le scattered marble pebbles across the building’s glass roof to regulate daylight filtering in.

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
the renovated home evokes a 2016 Pixar Film

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
incorporating reflective surfaces to expand the sense of space

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
‘Coco House’ is a renovated dwelling for a middle-aged couple

coco-house-designboom-full-2

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
relaxation area flooded with daylight and hosting a hammock

coco-house-designboom-full-3

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
several details were designed as ‘halves’ to complete their shape via mirroring effects

a renovated glass-brick volume, 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia
Koi fish pond area celebrating the owner’s love for nature and planting

coco-house-designboom-full

 

 

1/18
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 

project info:

 

name: Coco House

location: Sóc Trăng Province, Viet Nam

completion year: 2021

construction period: four months

gross built area: 142 sqm

 

architecture: Duy Le Architects

lead architects: Lê Trọng Duy | @trongduyle

client: Lê Công Đức

collaborator: TPT corp

photography: Trieu Chien | @trieuchien

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom

architecture in vietnam (389)

glass art and design (184)

residential architecture and interiors (4171)

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

charlotte skene catling on reviving alvar aalto's derelict silo in oulu as research center Oct 16, 2024
charlotte skene catling on reviving alvar aalto's derelict silo in oulu as research center
charlotte skene catling tells designboom about her visions for reinventing the aaltos' first industrial structure into a building designed for people.
X
5