Giản House – A two-story residence resting gracefully on a modest 5m x 12m plot, designed by S.LA Architecture in 2023. The owner, a young and unique individual, sought a personal sanctuary that speaks to independence and self-sufficiency, anticipating a future shared with a life partner. To optimize costs, the architectural team crafted a design inspired by Japanese minimalism, where room sizes and floor heights are kept purposefully modest, meeting only the essentials with refined precision. The ground floor accommodates a seamless array of functions: a garage, kitchen, living area, small bedroom, and bathroom.
Ascending to the first floor reveals a master suite with an ensuite bathroom, a serene work room, and a petite loggia offering a private outdoor retreat. The rooftop features a tranquil altar, laundry space, and expansive terrace await. The staircase, tucked elegantly to one side, creates an uninterrupted flow between primary spaces, departing from the conventional central staircase layout seen in local row houses. Under the stairs, every inch is maximized with smart storage solutions and built-in cabinetry, turning potential dead space into practical utility.
Friends and neighbors visiting the house often express admiration for its distinctive spatial organization. The kitchen, for example, is ingeniously positioned towards the front of the house, adjacent to a small front yard. A striking feature of Giản House is its three voids - strategically placed above the garage, dining area, and between the living room and small bedroom. These voids allow abundant natural light and ventilation to permeate the interior, transforming the typical townhouse with a single open facade.
They also harmonize the connection between the ground and first floors, bringing a sense of unity across levels. Using locally sourced materials - brick, steel, and aluminum-framed glass - we achieved a balance of functionality and personality while remaining budget-conscious. This vision of “designing just enough” speaks to a rising trend in Vietnam’s urban centers, where high real estate costs necessitate efficient, thoughtful design for young families. The name “Giản House” embodies this philosophy, “giản” signifying “simplicity”, “minimalism”, and “just enough” in every sense.
