narrow townhouse in vietnam by MM++ features a retractable shutter screen

narrow townhouse in vietnam by MM++ features a retractable shutter screen
all images by hiroyuki oki

this narrow dwelling designed by MM++ architects is located on a busy street in vietnam’s ho chi minh city. positioned on a plot measuring just 4 meters wide and 17 meters deep, the architects sought to design a building that was an interpretation of the region’s ‘shophouse’ typology, where part of the ground floor is dedicated to business activities during the day. above, the remainder of the structure forms the owner’s private residence.

when the shutters are open, the design creates a shaded foyer

the traditional shutters — typical of southeast asian colonial architecture — have been given a more industrial approach, utilizing a folding opening system. when the shutters are open, the design creates a shaded foyer, while when closed the screen allows permanent ventilation. internally, the house comprises four floors with primary living accommodation positioned at ground level. the remaining three storeys contain the property’s sleeping quarters, illuminated from above with a large skylight.

the design is an interpretation of the region’s ‘shophouse’ typology

primary living accommodation is positioned at ground level

a concrete stairway leads to the upper storeys

the kitchen at the rear of the plan

areas of greenery are interspersed throughout the narrow home

the house comprises four narrow storeys

one of the home’s four bedrooms

a rooftop terrace overlooks the densely populated neighborhood

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project info:

architects: MM++ architects / MIMYA
project architect: mỹ an pham thi
location: district 7, ho chi minh city, vietnam
built area: 236 sqm
completion: 2015
photography: hiroyuki oki