Hau Giang house is a compact residence nestled beneath the shade of a star apple tree on a tranquil street in Long Mỹ, Hậu Giang. This house serves as both a multi-generational family home and a testament to the seamless integration of modern architecture with the rich cultural traditions of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Open and functional design
The design emphasizes an open space where the living and dining areas are centrally located beneath a large skylight. This space, functioning as the heart of the home, fosters family gatherings where cooking, sharing, and storytelling intertwine with everyday life. The skylight not only brings in abundant natural light but also facilitates airflow throughout the home, creating a cool and comfortable atmosphere even during the peak of summer.
At the front of the house, a shaded veranda (reminiscent of the traditional “hàng ba” of Southern Vietnamese houses), is equipped with a rainwater jar, a nod to the region’s cultural heritage. This space is ideal for tea sessions, friendly chats with neighbors, or simply enjoying the serene views of the nearby canal and the rustling sound of nipa palm leaves swaying in the breeze.
Thoughtful bedroom placement
The master bedroom is located at the rear of the house for privacy and tranquility, adjacent to a small altar space for convenient access to ancestral worship. A void beside the bedroom serves as a buffer zone, shielding the interior from the harsh afternoon sun while enhancing natural ventilation and maintaining privacy from nearby houses.
The remaining bedrooms, designed as self-contained units on separate floors, ensure independence while maintaining connectivity through strategically placed windows and the central skylight void.
Sustainability at its core
Hau Giang house is designed with sustainability in mind, employing recycled and eco-friendly materials such as insulated metal roofing, steel-and-wood staircases, local breeze blocks, and bamboo louvers. These choices not only reduce construction costs but also minimize the house’s environmental footprint. Cleverly integrated natural ventilation strategies contribute to a cool and pleasant indoor environment.
The South-East facade required careful consideration due to the intense morning sunlight, which can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities. On the ground floor, a polycarbonate roof extension with bamboo louvers diffuses sunlight, drawing inspiration from traditional woven blinds. This feature effectively mitigates glare and gently filters natural light into the interior.
On the second floor, the design leverages the shade provided by the existing star apple tree to create playful light patterns and natural shadows inside the rooms.
Cultural and practical roof design
The house’s roof features staggered slopes, enhancing ventilation and preventing heat buildup under the metal roofing. This configuration also allows rainwater to drain quickly, reducing the risk of leaks, a practical solution for the tropical climate’s heavy rains.
Central skylight: a natural clock
A large double-height space with a skylight above the living room is a standout feature, channeling natural light into the heart of the home. Acting as a "natural clock" the skylight enables the family to observe the progression of time through the shifting patterns of light and shadow on the walls. This dynamic interplay of light breathes life into the minimalist interior. A bamboo louver was also installed below the skylight to balance natural light.
Modern living with traditional roots
The living room and kitchen blend seamlessly into an open-plan layout, making the most of the house’s modest 4-meter width. An altar space, oriented towards the front of the house, adheres to Eastern feng shui principles while offering a serene corner for meditation or tea breaks.
Connecting the front and rear of the second floor is a green-painted steel bridge, evocative of the bamboo bridges typical of the Mekong Delta. This lightweight feature not only facilitates air and light circulation but also serves as a nostalgic element linking the home’s modern design to its cultural roots.
Preserving tree
A remarkable aspect of Hau Giang house is the effort to preserve the mature pre-existing star apple tree at the front. Recognizing the family’s deep attachment to the tree, the design team ensured its survival throughout construction, allowing it to continue thriving as a cherished companion to the family. Its shade and seasonal fruits symbolize the enduring connection between the home and its natural surroundings.
Architectural insights
Architect Trần Công Danh shared insights into the project, emphasizing its affordability and alignment with the income levels of typical Vietnamese families. Careful planning and sustainable strategies ensured the project adhered to its budget without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.
Hau Giang house embodies the principles of passive design, a hallmark of SPACE+ Architecture. Features like cross-ventilation, vertical airflow, and natural lighting eliminate the need for artificial cooling and lighting during the day. This significantly reduces energy consumption and operational costs.
Recycled materials such as corrugated metal roofs, bamboo louvers, and local breeze blocks further enhance the house’s sustainability while maintaining an elegant balance between functionality and aesthetics.
More than just a residence, Hau Giang house is a symbol of family unity. With a contemporary, minimalist architectural style, drawing inspiration from traditional tropical architecture, and harmonizing with the surrounding urban context, this design is based on the lifestyles and daily activities of the people in the Mekong Delta. All of these elements come together to create a cozy, functional living space that remains deeply connected to Vietnamese culture and its people.