The 92m² house in Tinh An, Quang Ngai, Vietnam, is a striking example of sustainable architecture, where the design harmoniously integrates nature with living spaces. Central to this unique design is a mature Barringtonia asiatica (fish poison tree), which the architects chose to preserve rather than remove, placing it at the heart of the home. This decision not only highlights the beauty of the tree but reinforces the house’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the surrounding ecosystem.
The core design philosophy emphasizes a seamless connection between nature and architecture, fostering a sense of tranquility and sustainability. The tree is positioned within the living room, its branches extending through a rectangular opening in the concrete roof, connecting the indoors with the sky and natural light. This design creates a sense of openness and allows fresh air to circulate freely, enhancing the feeling of living with nature.
The house is designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, particularly for elderly residents. The layout is step-free, with wide doorways, non-slip flooring, and low-maintenance systems, ensuring ease of movement and safety. The central courtyard, which connects the communal area, bathroom, and bedrooms, provides each space with ample natural light and fresh air. It also serves as a vibrant gathering spot for grandchildren, promoting family interaction in a safe and dynamic environment.
The design ensures that both senior residents and children can move freely, thanks to its level layout and large glass doors that open to the garden, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. This creates a sense of continuity with nature, where the lush greenery outside becomes an integral part of the living experience.
The main entrance, facing east, offers privacy while maintaining a connection to the outside world. The unfinished concrete block walls with recessed glass doors provide seclusion from the street but allow views from the interior, blending privacy with openness. The kitchen and dining areas, positioned near the street, are designed to bring in vibrant energy, with large glass doors offering a view of the lively street, allowing natural light to flood the space and creating a dynamic connection between inside and out.
The use of unfinished concrete blocks for the walls is not only cost-effective but also enhances the home’s aesthetic, offering a rustic texture that complements the surrounding greenery. This environmentally conscious choice reduces the project's ecological impact, while the natural appearance of the material contributes to the house's tranquil atmosphere. Inside, locally sourced reclaimed wood is used extensively for furniture, adding warmth and texture to the minimalist interior. This combination of materials—unfinished concrete, reclaimed wood, and abundant greenery—creates a home that feels naturally integrated into its environment, as though it belongs to the land itself.
The design of this house successfully balances energy, serenity, and sustainability, creating a living space that is both environmentally responsible and attuned to the needs of its residents.
