open courtyards with lush greenery complete MIA design studio's concrete house in vietnam

MIA design studio has built ‘villa tan dinh’ in vietnam as a miniature park, complete with open courtyards and lush greenery. the concrete house comprises a series of horizontal living spaces, where all functions are linked through gaps of vegetation, water elements, and natural light. a slender steel mesh cover clads the main entrance of the building, which allows for enough privacy while maintaining a visual connection with the lively street outside.all images by hiroyuki oki

MIA design studio developed the house for a female owner who asked for a comfortable living space right in the center of the city. situated in ho chi minh city’s district 03, the house is close to some historical destinations, such as tan dinh church, as well as landmarks of urban culture, including the popular saigon alleyways. within this unique context, the project appears as a miniature park, where all activities inside are linked through lush green gaps.

though the house appears as a simple square box from the outside, its interior contains many layers of living spaces built of concrete and stone. glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows blur the boundaries between inside and outside, while visually blending the building’s raw materials with the thick vegetation of the courtyards. the result is a relaxing, tranquil atmosphere where inhabitants can enjoy a walk in the park and a taste of saigon right in their own home.

project info:

name: villa tan dinh

architect: MIA design studio

lead architect: nguyen hoang manh

team: truong nguyen quoc trung, pham thi phuong nhung

interior design: bui thi hong phuong

technical design: bui hoang bao, nguyen ngoc thien phuong, nguyen thi hao

general contractor: thanh phat

M & E contractor: khai minh

mechanical contractor: coppha builders

land area: 283.72 m2

construction area: 192.88 m2

total floor area: 538.29 m2

location: ho chi minh city, vietnam