Nhà Nội is a special residential project that carries the spirit of connection between generations and preserves the living traditions of a Vietnamese family. Located in a peaceful rural area, surrounded by rice fields and familiar old trees, the house is designed with a focus on simplicity, warmth, and long-lasting values. Every element aims to recreate the feeling of returning to one’s childhood home — a quiet, grounding place filled with memories.
Context & Design Intent
Positioned on a corner lot with two sides facing the village road, the house does not strive to stand out through bold contemporary forms. Instead, it gently blends into the surrounding landscape using traditional red clay roof tiles, clean white walls, and a soft sloping form that follows the natural shape of the land.
The building height decreases toward the back, creating a calm, humble silhouette while maintaining privacy for the interior spaces.
The core idea of the project is to create a home for Grandma — a place where children grow up, leave, and always wish to return. Thus, the design prioritizes warmth, comfort, and familiarity. Natural light, breezes from the fields, the scent of rice, and the surrounding greenery are all intentionally integrated as essential components of the architecture.
Spatial Organization
Ground Floor – Comfort & Accessibility
The ground floor is organized linearly along the length of the plot.
The garage and a ground-floor bedroom are placed adjacent to each other, offering convenient access for elderly family members without the need for stairs.
The kitchen, dining, and living areas form the heart of the home, opening to a small rear courtyard that provides abundant daylight and ventilation.
A light well and indoor greenery run along the circulation path, softening the interior and connecting it with nature.
First Floor – Family Connection
The first floor consists of two bedrooms and a family lounge.
The master bedroom includes a private bathroom and access to a small outdoor green pocket.
The central family lounge is designed as a shared space where children and grandchildren can gather, talk, or play together without disturbing the private rooms.
Natural light enters from multiple sides and through the main skylight.
Second Floor – Terrace & Quiet Spaces
The second floor expands into a generous terrace — a place for gardening, enjoying tea, or watching sunset over the rice fields.
The worship room is positioned respectfully and privately, facing nature and receiving soft light.
The front terrace functions as a peaceful, multi-use outdoor space for gatherings or simple daily rituals.
Materials & Lighting
The house uses red roof tiles, white walls, and wooden accents — materials reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese homes.
Natural light is softened through layers of louvers, skylights, and recesses, creating a warm and gentle ambiance throughout the day.
The sloped roof not only defines the building’s character but also optimizes drainage and daylight for the upper floor.
Project Spirit
Nhà Nội is more than an architectural project — it is a story about memory, family bonds, and the feeling of return.
It is a place where elders can live peacefully in the countryside, and where children — no matter how far life takes them — always look forward to coming back.
A humble, everyday home filled with emotion — just like its name.