The house is designed for three family generations who wanted to create a harmonious space in the hectic city (Hanoi) in order to enhance traditional family life. The site of the house is a typical plot for long and narrow local tube houses; with CH house the dimensions are – 4,2 m wide by 35 m long.
Inspiration
Inspired by old traditional houses of Hanoi, spaces filled with natural light and ventilation, made possible by the inner courtyards. The design aims to bring a breath of traditional spirit to modern life, while at the same time creating spaces full of natural light and ensure natural ventilation within the house.
Space layout
The functionality of the house is separated into 2 zones: the commercial area of two floors and the family area. The common spaces of the family area such as living room, library, dining room and kitchen are positioned in different levels with varying ceiling heights in order to compose an open continuous space to maintain easy family communication with each other. This design makes the space very open and provides an unexpected feeling of spaciousness despite the limited width of the house. The two children’s bedrooms are situated above the main common area, next to the void spaces, allowing connection with family members downstairs. The quiet area is located at the innermost part of the house, which includes the grandparents’ bedroom and the parents’ master bedroom.
Significant elements of the interior spaces are three void gaps separating the house volume to deliver natural light into lower leveled spaces of the house.
Traditional family
Family ties in a traditional Vietnamese family are very strong. Usually several generations live together under a single roof where many family events take place. In today’s world of modern technology with smart phones and television, these ties are weakened. The space design emphasizes connections among the family members, especially in the context of today’s hurried lifestyle of new economically growing Vietnam.
Greenery
Nature is an important element providing a positive effect on people’s mental health. However, the rapid development of large cities creates a lack of green spaces for people to relax. That is why planting trees and plants inside the house is necessary and helps creating a peaceful living space reducing stress. CH house is not only a home for dwellers but also a place attempting to create linkage between humans and nature which is often missing in Hanoi due to many environmental problems and limited green spaces.
Facade protection
The facade of the house is designed as double layer with its outer layer made from perforated cement blocks and a steel frame glass inner layer. The double layer facade combined with a green layer provides cover from the sun, dust and allowing natural ventilation throughout the entire length of the house. The facade is designed with a large window, providing even more light to fill the house when needed and giving the facade a more attractive look.
The intention was to design spatial harmony with consideration of family traditions, the local climate and contemporary lifestyle.
Text & Images provided by ODDO architects
