MIMI'S HOUSE
Owned and operated by Mimi’s small family, this is a true homestay where you can experience the genuine hospitality of the people of Hoi An.
Beyond its airy atmosphere, expansive views, and pristine tranquility, the stay offers thoughtfully detailed rooms furnished with retro-style modern amenities. Warm yellow lighting and wooden furniture pair harmoniously with modern appliances. Best of all, every room features a private kitchen fully equipped for the dwellers and their loved ones.
Morning is the best time of the day, when you can take in views of young rice seedlings, golden ripe fields, or mist drifting softly across the paddies, depending on varying seasons. Nothing quite beats curling up inside by the warm window with a favorite book while gently listening to the drizzle outside.
Location:
Hoi An, Vietnam
Project Area:
190m2
Design Firm:
Chong Chóng Architecture
Lead Architect:
Nguyễn Văn Chương
Material:
Bê tông trần, gỗ, đá
Year:
2022
Transforming this 190-square-meter property took roughly four months from renovation to completion. The main challenge lay in the existing structure - a run-down single-story house built on load-bearing walls over soft paddy field soil. During renovation, the architect constructed an independent column-and-foundation system separated from the old structure, reinforced with bamboo retaining walls and two-way strip footings. Because of the marshy soil, this phase alone took a month, requiring continuous water pumping out of the construction.
To seamlessly blend modern conveniences with lush greenery, the architect meticulously decorated every corner, particularly the small garden nooks within the balconies and open-air bathrooms. Since daily manual watering would disturb guests, an automatic irrigation system was installed using a dedicated supply line separate from domestic water, alongside thorough waterproofing for balcony planters to prevent seepage. As a result, the plants thrive effortlessly, requiring less maintenance and manual operation from the owners.
Plant selection was tailored to the Central Vietnamese climate. The balconies feature low-maintenance English ivy (Vernonia elliptica), while outdoor bathrooms showcase tropical flora like Thailand’s banana tree, lobster claw Heliconia, and climber vines. Fruit trees like avocado and starfruit accent the front yard, accompanied with a low-maintenance Japanese lawn.
The airy balcony—fitted with outdoor seating amidst natural greenery—invites guests to unwind and savor the surrounding scenery. Inside, the open-plan layout includes a compact yet fully equipped kitchen complete with a stove, microwave, and sink. Large windows and sliding glass doors flood the space with natural light.
Modern bathrooms feature stone basins, large round mirrors, and sleek shower fixtures for maximum comfort.
The smartly arranged bedrooms feature cozy beds, refined decor, and soft ambient lighting. Expansive windows frame peaceful views of the green rice paddies, while compact writing desks and wall-mounted TVs offer added convenience. Large glass doors open directly onto the balcony, allowing guests to soak in the verdant landscape and crisp fresh air.
This thoughtful renovation successfully transformed a run-down house into a modern, eco-friendly haven, offering visitors an unforgettable escape in Hoi An.
