The steady urbanization growth in developing countries, specifically Vietnam, has led to significant impacts on urban space in general and individual living space particularly. Tiny tube houses and cramped dark alleys in front are built as an inevitable consequence in densely populated big cities in Vietnam. Furthermore, most of homeowners prefer maximum construction areas and tend to choose discreet façade solutions in order to keep their spaces private. Consequently, it can be seen that there are limited relaxing outdoor spaces along with problems as insufficient natural light, inefficient ventilation, air and noise population, etc.
In this project, the house is located on a small housing plot of 33 sqm being subject to the same disadvantages of urbanization as above. However, we recommend a small-sized housing model at a moderate cost which still ensures the necessary living space while solving the issues of privacy, microclimate, greeneries….
SPACE
The space has been divided into two main components: the core space and free outer one. The main function of the core space is living space for the whole family. The free front and back areas play the role of decreasing negative environmental impacts, as well as protecting the privacy of interior parts. Also, it functions concurrently as the parking lot, a relaxing balcony and the garden.
FACADE SOLUTIONS
Our goal is to provide a solution that minimizes ongoing concreting of the façade. Among two basic layers, the outer one comprises holed brick wall system and steel trellis for climbing plants. The advantage is that it secures effective shading, ventilation and noise reduction and resists heat radiation and heat reflection to the surroundings.
The solid inner layer includes brick walls, tempered glass windows, wooden doors with the effect of directly protecting the living space, allowing active ventilation and natural light. The green coverage rate is 70%.
MICROCLIMATE
Ventilation: The usage of holed brick for front and back fences is an ultimate solution for ventilation efficiency. Concurrently, multiple doors and windows are put on opposite sides to create a pathway for airflow. Besides, we propose to use ceiling fans for common spaces to increase ventilation efficiency.
Natural lighting: Large glass windows facing front and back empty spaces can maximize the living space with natural light. These windows are protected from solar radiation by the climber trellis. In addition, the white color of all walls helps to diffuse natural lighting in the interior space.
Solar radiation: Being north-facing makes the house less affected by sunlight through all times of the year. The main goal of design is to create a sunlight-blocking façade for hot summer noons and to minimize the amount of solar heat that is absorbed through exposed roof surfaces. The proposed solution is to use a climber trellis covering from the north façade to the whole roof.
LANDSCAPES
The design aims to fill the users’ view through windows with plants. The solution is to plant vines and trees along the vertical and horizontal axes of the house. Firstly, the vertical look is covered with vines along front steel frames and hanging potted plants on the brick walls in the back. The horizontal axis is concurrently arranged with courtyards and loggias to plant trees on each floor. Thereby, homeowners will be comfortable in choosing plant varieties to grow according to their own needs and the season of the year. The flora surrounding the house also plays an important role in reducing the temperature of the interior space in summer.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The functional space mainly focuses on ensuring efficient natural lighting and ventilation. The door-window system is designed to accord with the needs of light and ventilation of the interior space. So to speak, the common living space such as living room and kitchen are designed with large glass doors and windows, while small and medium-sized solid windows are used in bedrooms to ensure privacy without any interference to natural lighting and airflow efficiency.
For the purpose of increasing flexibility for the interior space, we devise a sliding wooden door system on 2nd floor. In addition, furniture is designed as minimal and multifunctional as possible not to occupy a lot of usable spaces. For instance, cabinets are integrated into beds and the living bench. We also design multi-functional wooden boxes that can be used as tables and chairs or children's toys etc. When not in use, they are put under the living bench. Therefore, although the area is not too spacious, the flexible use of sliding door system and furniture can meet multiple demand of homeowners.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Hanoi in particular and developing cities, in general, are being affected by climate change and environmental pollution. Especially in Hanoi, the problem of dust and noise pollution is alarming in recent years. Although housing is just a small individual of the overall urban areas, with the sustainable and effective architecture orientation, we hope our point of view can be replicated to somehow solve the larger problems of society.
