KHUÔN studio shields an inner oasis with 'armored' façade in ho chi minh city

amid the hustle and bustle of vietnam‘s ho chi minh city, KHUÔN studio has carved a private residence into a long and narrow site. designed as a retreat for the client to return to after a busy day at work, vy anh house shields itself from the outside world before leading residents into an inner oasis filled with lush greenery and natural light.

all images © thiet vu

to effectively conceal the interior of the house from the outdoors, KHUÔN studio developed a system of louvers to cover the main façade, except for an emergency exit door. after entering through this ‘armored’ external skin, residents are greeted by a contrasting atrium space, which punctures the three storys and houses the vertical circulation. this design element brings natural light deep into each level of the floor plan, effectively combating against the constraints of the narrow site. the plant-filled atrium also affords visual connection throughout the house as the family can enjoy a view of this inner oasis from any room.

the ground floor contains the main social functions, such as the kitchen, dining and living spaces. as there is little need for living spaces on the higher levels, the house is tapered upwards to reduce the area of the upper floors. the resulting curved façade allows natural light deep into the narrow and long house. the air bricks on the louver system, arranged in irregular patterns, ensure security, ventilation, and aesthetic emphasis. this system also acts as a trellis that will gradually be covered with vines, resulting in a green curtain that will provides shade and privacy for the house – a cocoon in the middle of urban chaos.

project info:

project name: vy anh house

location: ho chi minh city, vietnam

architect: KHUÔN studio

design team: huynh anh tuan, ngo quang hau

completion: 2019

site area: 645.83 ft2 (60 m2)

photography: thiet vu

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: lynne myers | designboom