H-A House
A Living Space in Harmony with Nature
With a modest land area of only 146 m² and a frontage width of 7.5 meters, the design brief prioritized generous green space allocation on the ground floor. In response, the architect strategically relocated the private zones to the upper levels. This vertical zoning not only provides these spaces with broader views, better natural ventilation, and reduced exposure to street noise, but also enhances their overall sense of retreat. To ensure accessibility especially for elderly family members, the house is equipped with an elevator, effectively addressing mobility needs across multiple floors.
As a result, the ground floor is reserved for green spaces both at the front and rear of the property. This design approach creates a serene, nature-oriented atmosphere, even within the constraints of a compact plot. The setback areas allow the home to capture morning and afternoon sunlight, which filters gently through the balcony’s greenery, introducing a dynamic play of light and shadow and promoting the connection between the indoor spaces and the surrounding natural elements.
Project Name: H-A HOUSE
Location: Cẩm An, Hội An
Area (m2): 146m2
Design Team: Chong Chóng Architecture
Year: 2024
Photo: Sukha Studio
The front yard, abundant with greenery, forms a cool and shaded area, enhancing thermal comfort
The ground floor is designed as a seamlessly connected sequence - from the front yard through the living room, kitchen, dining area, mezzanine, and swimming pool. This flow not only enhances spatial continuity but also strengthens family interactions. The focal point of the ground floor is the kitchen island, strategically positioned to offer unobstructed sightlines across the interior and out to the front yard. At the rear, a compact pool adjacent to the dining area serves as a space for relaxation and also contributes to passive cooling during hot summer days. Surrounding the pool, strategically placed greenery provides shade, improves thermal comfort, and enriches the visual quality of both the indoor and outdoor environments.
The living room has a unique and airy design.
Cozy and polished L-D-K
Indoor swimming pools help cool off in hot summer days.
The mezzanine is a versatile space that can serve as an area for working, yoga, meditation, or a play zone for young children.
The spacious mezzanine makes it easier for everyone to share activities.
The master bedroom, located on the top floor, serves as a private and tranquil retreat dedicated to rest and relaxation. The bed is centrally positioned and oriented toward the front-facing balcony, maximizing natural light and outdoor views. Supporting spaces—including a walk-in closet, bathroom, and balcony—are connected yet subtly separated through variations in floor levels, creating a rhythmic spatial experience while maintaining functional clarity. The overall design employs a neutral palette dominated by white tones and natural wood, paired with clean architectural lines and refined simplicity. Unnecessary ornamentation is intentionally omitted to emphasize elegance, calmness, and spatial comfort. A system of warm ambient lighting has been carefully integrated to provide a soft, soothing glow in the evenings, enhancing the room’s cozy and restful atmosphere.
Cozy bedroom with unique design
The unique glazing bathroom offers a view of the natural scenery outside.
The bathroom is clean and airy, featuring a milky-white color scheme.
The front and rear facades of the house are designed with flexible "open-close" elements, fostering a close relationship with nature. Generously sized balconies, adorned with lush greenery, serve as natural curtains—providing both a visual focal point and functional benefits. These planted screens help filter the air and shield the interior from harsh sunlight, particularly between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., improving indoor comfort throughout the day. On either side of the house, 300mm-thick walls are constructed from exposed washed stone. Paired with subtle architectural lines, these walls enhance the home’s thermal insulation, effectively protecting the interior from extreme heat and heavy rain or storms during the harsh season.
The roof and the area surrounding the house are shaded by plenty of trees, creating a cool indoor atmosphere.
The roof design reflects the architectural vernacular of Hội An’s urban fabric, contributing to a cohesive language between the historic town center and its expanding suburb. To preserve this architectural continuity, the design team deliberately minimized the presence of technical HVAC systems (like water tanks and air-conditioning units) on the rooftop. This intention ensures the visual integrity of the roofscape and maintains the overall aesthetic harmony of the urban environment.
The house employs a double-layered roof system to enhance thermal performance:
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The upper layer consists of corrugated metal roofing fixed directly to a cement board (Cemboard) substrate.
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The lower layer is a reinforced concrete slab, separated from the upper layer by an air gap, allowing for passive insulation. As a result, the space beneath remains cooler in summer and warmer in winter, significantly improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
The house employs a double-layered roof system to enhance thermal performance
Most of the materials used in this project are reused from the structural construction phase, including concrete slabs and concrete ceilings. Cladding materials are exposed stone and washed gravel from the local area. This approach not only contributes to the simple and clean design but also helps to minimize the carbon footprint of the building.
The architectural solutions are inspired by local vernacular architecture, incorporating elements such as thick walls, a double-layered roof, large balconies with abundant greenery, and windows that maximize natural light while facilitating cross ventilation. These design strategies contribute significantly to reducing energy consumption, particularly electricity usage, while enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.
A balcony filled with lush greenery helps the homeowner relax after a long day.
The house is not just an accommodation; it is also a space of memories and experiences, where the owners can find peace and relaxation with their children and friends. It offers the opportunity to fully enjoy life in a comfortable, modern, and naturally connected living environment.
