located in a rural area of the phu tho province, in vietnam, the x-house by NH village is a peaceful family residence made from a local type of wood called ‘xoan’. the design seeks to create a warm and friendly environment, that settles in harmony with the surrounding landscape. 

x house 1

bird eye view
all images by hiroyuki oki

 

 

NH village has used xoan as the main material for the dwelling. this specific type of wood, was frequently used in the region to build vernacular residential projects, as it allows cheap and fast construction. xoan is soft, but once to be treated in the right way, it becomes durable, lasting for a long time. in order to build a stable, economical project, the roofing is supported by a high bridge structure that is partly made with concrete. the walls are made with exposed red brick, while all other elements like doors, window frames, and furniture are made with xoan.

x house 2
bird eye view

 

 

the dwelling accommodates a large family, while incorporating an additional altar-like solemn worship space. on the first floor, the worship area and the dining-living room connect to each other and to the central yard in the front so that people can move around easily. the kitchen and storage area, along with two main bedrooms are positioned at the backside of the house. meanwhile, the three guest bedrooms are placed on the second level, where occupants can look over to the surrounding lush vegetation. 

x house 3
the large living and dining room connect to each other and can be accessed from the central yard

 

 

both the indoor and outdoor circulation were planned in a zigzag formation, in order to achieve flexibility in movement. the front yard plays an important role in terms of access to the house and traffic within it. the altar room, along with the large living- dining room can be access from the central yard, allowing residents to move easily and freely on the ground floor. the door system is designed flexibly, opening and closing in separate parts, to meet the needs and preferences of the family. furthermore, every door contains a small window that slides open, to control the air and light within the interior efficiently. 

x house 4
the door slides open easily, providing bright natural lighting within the interior

x house 5
the large sliding doors allow flexible circulation, connecting the interior to the garden

x house 6
the kitchen is placed under the void

x house 7
the interior is made with wood, exposed brick and concrete, making the space friendly and warm

x house 8
the doors feature small embedded windows to adjust light and wind flow in the house

x house 9
the master bedroom on the first floor has a looks towards the lush vegetation of the surroundings

x house 10
the front yard at night

 

x house 11
plan

x house 12
section

 

 

project info:

 

name: x-house
architecture office: NH village architects
project team: tran dai nghia, nguyen phuong hieu, pham thu trang
location: phu tho province, vietnam
site area: 1200 m2
floor area: 450 m2

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom