The Binh House is a peculiar structure located in Vietnam which is very unique with respect to its design and energy efficiency.

Built by VTN Architects, it is 233 square meters and it was finished in 2013 thus it is one of the most efficient and original works of the last decade.

One of the peculiarities one can find concerning this building is its design. Designed as part of the “Tree House” project, the house employs contrasts between empty space and architectural structures. Moreover, the design serves the needs of three different generations of the same family without giving up on natural spaces.

“The Tree House” project

Due to a rapid urbanization process, the cities in Vietnam have become distant to their tropical origins. A consequence of this is new generations have lost connections with the natural environment.

Binh House is first installment the “Tree House” building series. This project, still to be finished, looks to bring back the traditional connection through architectonic projects.

All the projects which fall into this plan are part of a certain type of design which include green areas so that little pockets of nature are created in high-density urban spaces.

Mixing housing concepts

One of the characteristic elements of the Binh House is the combination of a traditional style focused on highlighting nature and green areas, with an urban style that employs vertical lines, using concrete as the main material.

This combination between both styles is seen not only in the design of the house but also in its location.  The façade faces a noisy and dirty street which contrasts with the other façade, facing the river and Saigon Zoo, a venue with plenty of vegetation.

Inside, both styles correspond to two different spaces placed alternatively. Each of these three floating spaces are strategically placed in order to achieve an efficient use of water and light.

Efficiency and use of resources

The Bihn House’s design elements maximize efficiency. It allows for efficient light and water use because of the materials used as well as the composition the space.

Different volumes alternate back and forth in the space, allowing the light to get through and bringing it to intermediary spaces. This in turn allows for intermediary gardens on each floor. This combination of blocks is a requirement in Vietnam in order to take advantage of natural ventilation.

This block composition allows for an additional safety and privacy feature: to create more independent spaces for each family such as bedrooms and bathrooms, the library and the dining room are downstairs. Moreover, the gardens are situated upstairs, improving the microclimate and boosting family life.

Materials are key to build sustainable buildings.

The materials used for the construction of Binh House are key for energy efficiency since they allow for building to maximize the use of natural resources.

Each of the blocks are designed with curves in order to provide more illumination points. They are made of prefabricated concrete, 60 cm wide which combines well with covered spaces of vegetation.

The use of materials such as stones or wood in certain areas allows for maintenance reduction costs and it creates great atmospheres with optimal temperature in each season. Their inhabitants have neither used the air conditioning nor the heating yet.

There is no doubt that Binh House is one of the most unique constructions we’ve ever found. What do you think about this building? Is there any other project that has come to your attention?

Let us know in the comment section!