oh.hi studio approached the project within a context that required reconciling a family’s rapidly shifting daily life - especially with the arrival of a new member - and the inherent spatial limitations of the apartment. The rigid, pre-divided layout unintentionally became an obstacle, imposing overly clear boundaries on even the most basic functions. Therefore, intervening in the “communicative” walls became the primary strategy before aesthetic considerations were introduced. Curves and rounded edges replaced the original sharp corners, forming a system of adaptable partitions that shift with daily activities while simultaneously softening the spatial intersections within the home.
Storage units are arranged along the perimeter walls, freeing up a central void that acts as an internal courtyard. From this nucleus, the open-close configurations of the partition system allow the space to transform as needed - fragmenting into distinct functional clusters or gathering freely at the center to evoke togetherness. The family’s routines naturally follow this rhythm of expansion and contraction. Time spent “playing” within lower-height spatial zones became the guiding intention for most decisions regarding form and geometry. Points of physical contact thus feel more comfortable, flowing gently along the home’s soft curves.
The anchor that stabilizes the openness of the layout is the round dining table with its deep wood tone, creating a visually grounded focal point that adds density to the overall composition, where most elements and colors lean toward brighter shades. The master bedroom is more secluded, divided into two parts through the strategic use of a wardrobe system arranged as a hallway - both directional and spatially partitioning without the need for solid walls. As a result, the visual field of the bedroom is refined, free from overwhelming cabinetry, and naturally oriented toward the valuable river view of the Saigon skyline. This organization allows the space to remain optimally streamlined while still reflecting the user’s refined, graceful lifestyle.
The apartment is a blend of diverse material expressions: the maturity of warm, dark wood tones; muted colors layered over striped patterns that enhance perceived height; broad matte surfaces that serve as a backdrop for accent finishes; and even the bold introduction of shell-inlay motifs reminiscent of Vietnamese lacquerware in the kitchen tucked toward the end of the space. The arrangement of these material qualities is carefully calibrated in proportion so they become subtle points of interest - assertive when needed, quiet when appropriate.
Each area carries its own character yet remains interconnected through multiple strategies: flexible open-close mechanisms, neutral transitional zones, and the shifts between colors and varied materials. Individual preferences, though distinct, ultimately share the same rhythm under one roof.
