Part of VTN architects’ ‘house for trees’ series, the ‘binh house’ demonstrates the approach of integrating tropical gardens, open spaces and water within a high density neighborhood in Vietnam. As the dwelling is occupied by a family of three generations, the challenge was to establish a home that will give each inhabitant their own space, while encouraging interaction.
VTN architects (previously Vo Trong Nghia architects) has gained recognition for their greenery-filled architecture, and ‘binh house’ follows suit. A vertical stacking has been applied to the building’s organisation with the gardens and glass walls being bound between the two main concrete façades. This strategy improves the microclimate by introducing natural ventilation and daylight into every room and, at the same time, the alternating openings increase visibility and interaction between the family members.
Palms and plants form the different courtyards that link the continuously open living room, dining, bedrooms and study. The vertical variation of spaces provides interesting sightlines and a ‘lopsided pressure difference’, therefore natural ventilation is constantly maintained throughout the tropical temperature of Vietnam.
The building is finished with a roof garden which hosts large trees for shade. On the exterior, a distinctive character has been created with the few rectangular fenestrations revealing glimpses of the overgrown nature inside.
“Using sustainable materials such as natural stone, wood, exposed concrete combined with the microclimate, this house reduces greatly operational and maintenance cost. The architecture is not only to meet the functional and aesthetic concerns, but also as a means to connect people to people and people to nature,” says VTN architects.
(Source: www.designboom.com)
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