sloping metal roof shields garden house’s open living space by SAL in vietnam

a wooden louver system with an opening above facilitates airflow under the sloping metal roof.

SAL edited by christina vergopoulou March 11, 2025 3 min

DB Horizon house’s open shared spaces expand under metal roof

SAL architectural studio completes DB Horizon, a garden house in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, defined by an open common living space under a large metal roof. The layout positions shared spaces on the first floor, while private bedrooms are placed on the ground floor. This arrangement allows the first floor to remain open to nature, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 1 — all images by Trieu Chien

SAL uses operable wooden louver system for natural ventilation

SAL architectural studio designs the first floor as a traditional living space, including a living room, worship area, kitchen, dining room, common room, and a terrace. A thick metal roof with a moderate slope extends outward, providing shade, rain protection, and a transitional space between levels. The design emphasizes natural ventilation, using a wooden louver system with an opening above to facilitate airflow.

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 2 — DB Horizon exemplifies sustainable and climate-responsive architecture in Vietnam

DB Horizon garden house prioritizes environmental integration

An internal staircase serves as a private connection between the bedrooms on the ground floor and the open living area above. The bedrooms offer enclosed, comfortable spaces, each with a unique view of the surrounding garden. The overall structure prioritizes environmental integration and functional efficiency through material selection and spatial organization.

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 3 — a 360-degree open-air common space connects residents with the surrounding landscape

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 4 — the house is designed with shared spaces on the first floor and private bedrooms on the ground floor

sal-db-horizon-garden-house-vietnam-designboom-1800-2 — the structure harmonizes built and natural environments through thoughtful spatial organization

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 5 — DB Horizon by SAL Architectural Studio features an open-plan living space under a large metal roof

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 6 — the first floor functions as a traditional living space, including a living room, kitchen, and dining area

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 7 — the extended metal roof provides shade, rain protection, and a smooth transition between spaces

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 8 — the open-plan design encourages airflow and passive cooling for thermal comfort

sal-db-horizon-garden-house-vietnam-designboom-1800-3 — the spacious terrace extends the living area into the outdoors

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 9 — a wooden louver system enhances natural ventilation throughout the structure

sal-db-horizon-garden-house-vietnam-designboom-1800-4 — an internal staircase links private bedrooms on the ground floor to the communal areas above

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 10 — the structure integrates environmental considerations through thoughtful material choices

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 11 — the bedrooms are enclosed yet visually connected to the surrounding garden

sloping metal roof shields garden house's open living space by SAL in vietnam - 12 — large openings frame views of the surrounding natural landscape

project info:

name: DB Horizon
architects: SAL

location: Dien Khanh, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
area: 200 sqm

lead architect: Nguyen Hoang Xuan

manufacturers: Hafele, TUILDONAI
contractors: Nguyen Ngoc Kin, Mai Tran Dang Vuong

photographer: Trieu Chien | @trieuchien

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