Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and has one of the world’s highest population densities, intense traffic jams, frequent air pollution, and a lack of public spaces and greenery, but at the same time, the city has an importance in terms of preserving Vietnamese culture and old traditions.
The house is designed for a three-generation family who wanted to create a harmonious space in the hectic city to enhance their sense of traditional family life. The site of the house is a typical plot for the long and narrow local tube houses: in the case of CH house, it is 4.2 m wide and 35 m long.
Inspiration
CH house was inspired by the traditional old houses of Hanoi, which have spaces full of natural light and ventilation, thanks to their inner courtyards. The design aims to bring a breath of traditional spirit to modern life, and at the same time, to create spaces full of natural light and ensure natural ventilation within the house.
Space Layout
The functionality of the house is separated into two zones: the commercial area on two floors and the family area. The common spaces of the family area, such as the living room, library, dining room, and kitchen, are
positioned on different levels with varying ceiling heights to compose a continuous open space to maintain communication among members of the family more easily.
This design makes the space truly open and provides an unexpectedly spacious feeling, despite the limited width of the house. Additionally, the two children’s bedrooms are situated above the main common area, next to the void spaces, allowing connection with family members downstairs. The quiet area is located at the innermost part of the house and includes the grandparents’ bedroom and the parents’ master bedroom. Significant elements of the interior spaces are three void gaps separating the house’s volume to deliver natural light into the lower-level spaces of the house.
Traditional Family
Family ties in the traditional Vietnamese family are very strong. Usually, several generations live together under a single roof where many family events take place. In today’s world of modern technology, with smartphones and televisions, these ties have been weakened. The design of the space emphasizes the connections among the family members, especially in the context of today’s hurried lifestyle in the new, economically growing Vietnam.
Greenery
Nature is an important element in providing a positive effect on people’s mental health. However, the rapid development of large cities creates a lack of green spaces for people to relax. That is why planting trees
and plants inside the house is necessary and helps to create a peaceful living space to release stress. CH house is not only a home for dwellers but also a place attempting to create the linkage between humans and
nature that is very often missing in Hanoi because of its many environmental problems and limited green spaces.
Façade Protection
The façade of the house is designed as a double layer, with an outer layer made from perforated cement blocks and a steel-framed glass inner layer. The double-layered façade, combined with a green layer, provides cover from the sun and dust and allows natural ventilation throughout the entire length of the house. The façade is also designed with a large window, providing even more light to fill the house when needed and giving the façade a more attractive look.
The intention was to design for spatial harmony, taking into consideration family traditions, the local climate, and contemporary lifestyles.
