glass-brick 'coco house' in vietnam evokes otherworldly nostalgia

coco house: when glass bricks and mirrors combine

In Vietnam’s Sóc Trăng province, tucked between ordinary townhouses, ‘Coco House’ captivates passersby with its sculptural glassy silhouette, evoking 1930s decor. Local architect Trong Duy Le was tasked to renovate the two-story home for a middle-aged couple, drawing inspiration from ‘CoCo,’ a 2016 Pixar Film that tells the heartwarming story of family affection and intergenerational connection from the beyond. The movie’s nostalgic value was gently incorporated into the renovation by building a new spatial ambiance that bridges reality with virtuality through a poetic arrangement of glass bricks and reflective surfaces.

At certain angles, the resulting glass-and-mirror design introduces duplicating illusions and an infinity mirror effect that expand the sense of space within the narrow-width townhouse. ‘Some details in the house are only half-designed, and once reflected by the mirror, they will appear as a complete pattern,’ explains Duy Le.

all images © Trieu Chien

‘Coco House’ incorporates glass bricks to imitate wave patterns, a subtle nod to the Western water region of Vietnam, while emphasizing the curvy aesthetic sweeping across the facade. The hazy glass texture allows plenty of natural light to pour in during the day without compromising the owners’ privacy. More so, when night falls, the glassy silhouette switches to a glowing lantern, radiating the warmth of interior lights.

‘The design utilizes ventilation brick to ensure protection from rainy weather. It also allows air circulation from the facade to every nook and cranny. The selection and arrangement of the ventilation bricks, which have been under thorough consideration from the architect, are set up in different directions for aesthetic aspects as well as functioning as drainage and ventilator,’ adds the architect.

a poetic display echoes throughout the house

a mixed-used space with its own microclimate

Program-wise, the dwelling spans two floors and essentially functions as both a co-living and working space. The first level hosts a fishpond, parking space, private clinic, lounge area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. The second floor features an integrated bedroom and library, a catholic altar, and a storage room.

Responding to the owners’ love for planting, Duy Le also peppered the interiors with five different-sized gardens and plenty of hanging plants. Beyond offering relaxation areas and personal value, the planted interior also provides the home with its own microclimate by regulating noise, dust, humidity, and cooling. One of the most characteristic features of ‘Coco House’ is the Koi fish pond exuding a minimalistic and spacious atmosphere. ‘The fishpond not only provides a scenic element but also adjusts the microclimate for the living space,‘ he notes. As an added effect, Duy Le scattered marble pebbles across the building’s glass roof to regulate daylight filtering in.

the renovated home evokes a 2016 Pixar Film