garden courtyards wind through stacked cubes of idee architects' vietnam hillside house

stella casa’s stacked form integrates into the sloping terrain

Designed by Idee Architects, Stella Casa perches on a hillside in Vietnam, adapting to the steep terrain as a series of parallel volumes that have been subtly stacked. Each segment is carefully oriented to capture scenic views and create a sense of openness across the property, with expansive glass panels, interconnected garden courtyards, and open-air walkways enhancing this transparency and fluidity.

Throughout, the villa’s design emphasizes openness, natural light, and connection to the surrounding landscape, with standout features including a sculptural swimming pool and cascading waterfall. This key feature serves as a focal point that unites the villa’s open-plan spaces and the surrounding gardens.

all images courtesy of Idee Architects

idee architects enhances the home’s connection with nature

Stacked volumes define Stella Casa’s form, with each level purposefully placed along the slope to maximize both spatial experience and panoramic views. Between the blocks, Vietnam-based Idee Architects has strategically positioned a series of courtyards and walkways to allow for continuous green spaces that naturally connect the different zones of the home. One of the standout features of this villa is its extensive use of glass windows which allow an abundance of natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the day.

These openings frame the tranquil surroundings, inviting the vistas to become an integral part of the villa’s design and enhance the overall sense of openness and connection to nature. Additionally, a large swimming pool with a dramatic waterfall feature occupies a prominent position at the front of the villa, serving as both a visual centerpiece and a luxurious outdoor retreat. The cascading waterfall further enhances the sense of serenity, providing residents with a soothing soundtrack to the outdoor experience.

series of parallel volumes that have been subtly stacked shape Stella Casa

sculptural details foster a sense of rhythm

Idee Architects design also includes a series of carefully designed staircases — both internal and external — that link the various levels of the home. Creating a seamless connection between floors and the roof, they offer pathways for movement while reinforcing the architectural rhythm of the stacked volumes. The open plan living and kitchen areas are extended directly to the pool and the garden spaces, creating an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. ‘This thoughtful layout fosters a sense of openness and flexibility, where the living spaces continuously interact with the outdoor environment, inviting both relaxation and social interaction in equal measure,’ notes the design team.

completed by Idee Architects

the project’s volumes adapt to the steep terrain in Vietnam

the villa’s design emphasizes openness, natural light, and connection to the surrounding landscape

interconnected garden courtyards and open-air walkways connect the volumes

enhancing transparency and fluidity

Idee Architects’ extensive use of glass windows allow an abundance of natural light

visual lines weave glimpses of nature throughout the home

open-air walkways

the materiality infuses natural warmth

a sculptural staircase in the open plan interior

cascading waterfall

each room enjoys views of the engulfing environment

project info:

name: Stella Casa
architect: Idee Architects | @ideearchitects

location: Vĩnh Yên, Vietnam

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom