vo trong nghia architects develops prefabricated dwellings for vietnam

vo trong nghia architects develops prefabricated dwellings for vietnam
photo by hiroyuki oki
all images courtesy of vo trong nghia architects

seeking to address vietnam’s urgent need for low-cost permanent housing, vo trong nghia architects has developed a prefabricated dwelling that can be built for the modest sum of $4,000 USD. the prototypical design – entitled ‘S house’ – is a further iteration of a steel framed unit, with the updated design’s concrete skeleton ensuring higher stability and thermal comfort in tropical climates.

the prefabricated dwelling can be built for the modest sum of $4,000 USD
photo by hiroyuki oki

the scheme’s primary concept is to combine modular components and a concise DIY strategy. prefabrication helps control quality and cost, while precast concrete guarantees predetermined stability and accuracy. since waterways are the dominant transportation in the region, the lightweight nature of the project allows for transportation by small boats. light frames with simple bolted connections encourage dwellers to participate in construction, and once assembled, locally sourced finishing materials can be readily added or easily replaced.

the concrete skeleton ensures higher stability and thermal comfort within the tropical climate
photo by hiroyuki oki

passive design strategies are employed throughout, with nipa palm and corrugated cement combined to form an insulated roof, which protects dwellers from the region’s heavy rain showers. polycarbonate panels both allow natural light to enter and reduce the need for artificial illumination, while the gap between the roof and walls promotes natural ventilation.

the scheme’s primary concept is to combine modular components and a concise DIY strategy
photo by hiroyuki oki

locally sourced finishing materials can be readily added or easily replaced
photo by hiroyuki oki

an area of seating within the home
photo by hiroyuki oki

polycarbonate panels allow natural light to enter and reduce the need for artificial illumination
photo by hiroyuki oki

a gap positioned between the roof and walls promotes natural ventilation
photo by hiroyuki oki

the lightweight nature of the project allows for transportation to site by boat
photo by hiroyuki oki

the design team are already working on the next iteration of the design
photo by hiroyuki oki

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project info:

project name: S house
architect firm: vo trong nghia architects
principal architects: vo trong nghia, masaaki iwamoto, kosuke nishijima (3 principals)
contractor: wind and water house JSC
completed: april, 2014
program: prototype house
location: long an, vietnam
construction cost: 4,000 USD per unit
photography: hiroyuki oki