VTN architects tops 'ha house' in vietnam with one continuous garden

VTN architects (vo trong nghia architects) has completed the design of a multi-generational brick residence in vietnam. located in an emerging residential area, a 15 minute drive from the center of ho chi minh city, ‘ha house’ forms part of a densely populated neighborhood. in addition to the usual requirements, the client asked that the property include a large green garden, a big swimming pool, and a parking lot — a significant challenge considering the narrow site’s 7×20 meter (23x66ft) dimensions.

all images by hiroyuki oki

in order to meet the client’s demands, VTN architects, led by vo trong nghia, divided the garden into a series of smaller connected outdoor spaces. the building features a series of terraces that step back from the street in a twisting configuration. on the top floor, the house cantilevers above the verandas, where trees and other vegetation have been used to provide privacy, filter sunlight, and cool the building from the region’s hot sun.

on each level, the continuous terrace responds to the function of each floor. in some areas it has been designed a private garden that residents can access from their bedrooms, while in other parts it becomes a more public setting where everyone can gather. internally, the ground and first floors are connected by a huge central void that unites the home’s communal areas: the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, the library, and the children’s bedroom. the building is topped with a roof terrace that provides an outdoor setting for barbecues and other recreational activities.

from an environmental standpoint, the gaps that are created by the shifted volumes allow sunlight and wind to pass through — naturally illuminating and ventilating the property. locally sourced bricks have been used to minimize both construction expense and the project’s carbon footprint. ‘ha house’ is the latest property in VTN’s ‘house for trees’ project, which sees the life of residents and nature closely intertwined. see more projects by VTN architects on designboom here.

project info:

principal architects: vo trong nghia, tran thi hang
design team: takahito yamada, le viet minh quoc, mitsuyoshi shingu
office credit: VTN architects (vo trong nghia architects)
status: built in 2019
program: private house
location: ho chi minh, vietnam
site area: 137.2 sqm
footprint: 100.5 sqm
GFA: 174.8 sqm
contractor: wind and water house JSC
photography: hiroyuki oki