H House by VACO Design reimagines the modern Saigon home through the lens of tradition and innovation. Drawing from the city’s rich architectural heritage, the design responds to both spatial constraints and climatic needs with quiet sophistication.
On a compact 12.5m x 14.5m plot, the architects orchestrate a careful choreography of spaces. Private living and sleeping quarters are tucked away at the rear, ensuring tranquillity, while functional areas—kitchen, study, garage, and a raised swimming pool—are placed at the front, linked by airy, light-filled passages.
VACO Design’s concept honours vernacular Vietnamese architecture with elements like internal courtyards, verandas, shuttered windows, and a focus on natural materials—wood, stone, and concrete—that foster a tropical ambience and encourage relaxation.
The elevated swimming pool not only cools the central courtyard but also creates flexibility on the ground floor. A standout feature is the 12.5-metre-wide façade screen, composed of ventilation blocks that wrap the building in a breathable shell. This layer filters light, shields the interior from the tropical sun, and invites cross-breezes throughout.
Project & images: VACO Design
Article by: Lily Wong
