Binh House is a project designed by VTN Architects and is located in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Photography by Hiroyuki Oki, Quang Dam

Under the rapid urbanization, cities in Vietnam have diverged far from their origins as low density tropical green space. Newly developed urban areas are losing their connection with nature. Binh house is one project in the “House for Trees” series, a prototypical housing design, providing green space within high density neighborhood.
The Inhabitants is a family of three generations. Therefore, the challenge is to create spaces which allow its residents interact and communicate despite their differences.
Gardens located on top of the vertically stacking spaces; bounded by sliding glass doors. This strategy not only improves the microclimate by using natural ventilation and daylight in every room, but the alternately stacking openings also increase visibility and interaction between the family members.
Living, dining, bedrooms, study room are continuously opened. From one room, people’s sightlines can reach beyond to the other rooms via the gardens.

Service areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms, stairs and corridors are located in the west to limit heat radiation exposure towards frequently occupied areas. The vertical variation of spaces creates a lopsided pressure difference. Thus, when the surrounding houses are built, natural ventilation is maintained. Thanks to these passive strategies...