By specific characters, Saigon modern architecture (period between 1950s and 1970s) is still an inspiration for any architect who enjoy tropical architecture, especially the ones who were born and raised in Saigon.

Housing has been always an intricate topic in architecture as a house is a common architectural typology with many demands and possibilities. 

This house requires various functions, arranged within a limited footprint of 12.5m x 14.5m. Basic living areas including living, sleeping rooms were put to the back of the site whereas other utilities such as kitchen, garage, swimming pool, study were placed to the front and connected through open spaces. With this arrangement, the utility spaces receive maximum lighting and ventilation, while the living areas archive higher level of silence and privacy with enough view, light and air.

The space order was inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture through the use of courtyard, fish pond, veranda, shutter windows and greenery. Natural materials such as wood, stone combined with concrete created a tropical and relaxing atmosphere.

By elevating the swimming pool, the ground floor was opened for more flexible functions. The pool also helps to cool down open courtyard. The 12.5m spanning façade structure holds a great number of handcrafted ventilation blocks, delicately “wraps” the spaces within. This screen wall helps blocking tropical sun light and prying eyes from outside, while allowing air flow through in a simple, subtle fashion.