TwinHouse - Two House With One Facade
Embodying a seamless fusion of thoughtful renovation and meticulous new construction, TwinHouse, a remarkable house completed in 2023, design and built by Space+ Architecture, is situated in the heart of Can Tho, a city nestled in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region.
Façade Design
The uniqueness of TwinHouse lies in the exterior architectural form of the two houses, with two separate approaches from the front and back, the house can be viewed as having two primary facades.
The South-East facade was pre-constructed in a neo-classical architectural style. The design team simplified some of the architectural details to bring a more contemporary and sleek design language. The ornate decorative details in concrete such as balustrades, handrail,... have been judiciously pared down and replaced by sleek glass balustrades that imbue the elevation with a sense of lightness and modernity. The vaulted column structures with many decorative details have been strategically removed, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces unimpeded, creating a luminous and airy ambiance.
The interesting point is in the North-West facade of the house, although initially these were two separate houses, since the owners were close family members, and the entire project was designed and constructed at the same time, the design team proposed combining the exterior architectural form into a common facade for the two houses. This helps TwinHouse achieve a more balanced and harmonious proportion compared to other townhouses in the same area. The North-West facade being impacted by hot sun from the west in the afternoons, which could cause overheating inside. Therefore, the vertical walls were arranged to limit the low and slanting sunrays, while also creating a dynamic rhythm for the entire facade. The strategic arrangement of verdant greenery on the balconies further contributes to the creation of a visually appealing landscape, enhancing the microclimate and reducing the impact of solar radiation.
To enhance the interior living space, as both houses were extended by an additional 9 meters towards the North-West, providing homeowners with more usable space. The staircase is also relocated and redesigned to better suit the existing structure of the house. An elevator is added to facilitate vertical movement to the living spaces on multiple floors.
Passive Design
Passive design strategies have been thoughtfully woven into the fabric of TwinHouse, with skylights, strategically placed windows, and double-height spaces facilitating the influx of natural light and ventilation throughout the interior spaces. This symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature not only enhances the indoor environmental quality but also promotes sustainability, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning system.
Interior design
The interior design exudes a bespoke character, with each space meticulously tailored to the unique needs and preferences of individual family members. Private enclaves coexist harmoniously with communal areas, offering both seclusion and togetherness. All rooms provide privacy with self-contained functionality, as well as having the best views of the outside scenery.
Conclusion
Thriving in Vietnam's dense urban landscapes, single-family townhouses like those in Can Tho city often face a design challenge: narrow façade (so we call “tube house”) must accommodate the needs of extended families across multiple floors. This typically leads to an exterior aesthetic with an unbalanced proportion between width and height. However, TwinHouse can be considered one of the creative facade design solutions. The architects have masterfully unified the building massing and architectural language, creating a balanced and harmonious overall facade for both houses. Remarkably, this is achieved while maintaining the individuality and entirely separate functionalities of each house.