The hustle and bustle of city life often brings with it the challenge of overcrowding, impacting the well-being of its residents. The stress and feelings of being overwhelmed can lead to serious consequences, including aggression, health risks, and a sense of vulnerability. In response, we've crafted Ikigai House—a small-scale housing concept aimed at alleviating this issue.
Nestled within the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 9, Ikigai House occupies a humble 46 sqm site. Tucked away at the end of a charming Sai Gon alley, the house stands as a beacon of innovation within a traditional neighborhood. The narrow 2.7-meter-wide alley accommodates a multitude of homes, inadvertently transforming into a communal space for social interactions, play, and casual gatherings. Unfortunately, this newfound vibrancy has chipped away at privacy and tranquility, a concern deeply felt by our young clients. Fearing the toll of exhaustion, mental strain, and life's demands, they sought a home that could provide solace without severing ties to the natural world.
Driven by this vision and inspired by the site's unique attributes—an open expanse adjacent to the house—we embarked on a design journey centered around fostering connections.
To cater to our clients' practical needs, we devised a simple 2.7x8.1 reinforced concrete framework, comprising three equally sized floors tailored for daily living. The ground and upper levels converge through an inviting central void—a spacious feeling area that enhances the living experience, encourages communication, and fosters moments of passive engagement and peripheral vision. Within this harmonious space, the interior achieves a delicate balance of being enclosed yet open—an internal connection, nurturing a sense of shared intimacy.
In a complementary approach, a wrapping spatial arrangement emerged, weaving buffer zones that delicately unite indoor and outdoor realms. This semi-open area seamlessly blends with the ground level, extending its influence through well-placed openings within walls and the roof. The result? A seamless blending of private retreats and communal spaces—a harmony that promotes unity.
As the final touches were added, a revelation dawned—the house had become a conduit for nature's light and wind. This interplay of built and natural elements is showcased through rooftop openings, façade windows, and a translucent glass roof. These apertures provide a fresh perspective, unveiling previously hidden angles of the surroundings—the external connection, a new lens through which to experience the world.
Noteworthy is the home's commitment to sustainability, ensuring durability and comfort. The abode remains refreshingly cool during hot seasons, thanks to natural ventilation facilitated by continuous open spaces. This buffer zone not only guards against rainwater infiltration during wet seasons but also simplifies maintenance and repairs, embodying resilience.
In summary, Ikigai House is our attempt to go beyond bricks and mortar—it epitomizes the art of connection, offering solace within the urban chaos. It safeguards, restores, and introduces fresh viewpoints—an oasis of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle. This dwelling stands as our endeavor to bridge the gap caused by urban crowding, a testament to our innate pursuit of calm, healing, and new perspectives in our ever-evolving surroundings.