OCEAN BREEZE VILLA
With the proposed and implemented solutions, the house enjoys an abundance of ocean breeze and has become an accommodation choice favored by many travelers. There are numerous factors contributing to the success of a lodging space, among which amenities and services are typically prioritized. However, there is also a feature highly appreciated by guests—the emotional connection, the “spirit” that the space brings. Nhà Gió Biển (Ocean Breeze Villa) is a homestay that embodies both qualifications.
The emotional connection in this project is from the heart of its designer. Architect Nguyễn Văn Chương shares: “I was born when Hội An was still a poor rural area. The people here have lived close to nature, been familiar with the typical sun and wind of the Central Region of Vietnam. My childhood was filled with peaceful days. Images such as the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), ancient gates, tea hedge fences, fish ponds, areca palms at the entrance, bamboo groves behind the house, wooden trunks, wooden beds, traditional wooden dining trays, and Vietnamese antique wood sofa - all were familiar to every child growing up in Hội An like myself. These images have been stylized and integrated into the project as childhood memories that I wish to convey.”
Location:
Cẩm An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Area:
485m2
Design Firm:
Chong Chóng Architecture
Lead Architect: Nguyễn Văn Chương
Executing: Pixarch Studio
Design Team:
Nguyễn Văn Chương, Quốc Việt
Contractor:
Space house
Year:
2017
Materials : Exposed concrete, Timber, Stone
The villa’s owners are experts in their business. With the rapid development of the tourism industry in Hội An, accommodation services like hotels, villas, and homestays are built at high densities and are exploited to the maximum rate of room numbers and floor area. This situation has been gradually damaging the architectural landscape of Hội An and negatively impacting the inherent tranquility of the old town. Moreover, fierce competition in the affordable hotel, villa, and homestay segment forces homestay owners to reconsider their business approach.
Thus, given a land plot of 485m², the investor required the architect to design a villa that would meet the following criteria: low construction density to create a distinct residential environment, increased greenery both inside and outside the structure to foster tranquil spaces. The design needs to expand communal spaces (such as living areas, dining rooms, kitchens, swimming pools and reading rooms) to encourage more interaction and connection among guest groups as well as between hosts and guests. As a result, service quality is enhanced through investment in design and the use of local materials.
Additionally, another key consideration is resolving ventilation for the building, aiming to reduce temperatures during summer - especially during the Lao-wind season in June and July, which also coincides with the season of peak tourist numbers.
In response to the brief, the design team transformed the site into a resort-style villa, featuring five bedrooms, one penthouse, and additional spaces such a reading room, dining area, garden, and swimming pool. The villa is equipped with a prominent system of large-leaf louvered doors that rotate on a central axis and can be easily operated by hand. These are combined with a facade of patterned ventilation bricks (*gach hoa gio*) to capture ocean breezes from the southeast and channel them into the building. The entire first floor is enclosed using bamboo blinds handmade by local craftsmen.
The building has two natural passive systems: a covered koi pond at the front, and a swimming pool with a row of bamboo trees in the spacious rear garden. Together, these features help to cool down, refresh airflow throughout the villa at all times of day. Materials are sourced locally - wood terrazzo, bamboo - all skillfully crafted by a team of locals. Most furniture and decorative objects are vintage and collected pieces: wooden doors, trunks, tables and chairs, wooden trays, etc.
Perhaps the greatest joy for the designers is witnessing life unfold within the architecture as it comes into use. Nguyễn Văn Chương calls his project "Ocean Breeze Villa" because with the applied solutions, the house is filled with breezes from the sea and has become a favored accommodation among travelers.
Revisiting the project and engaging with guests enjoying being here is always a pleasure. The most special reward was when the architect heard a visitor from Japan sharing: “This is my favorite place in Hội An!” Of course it is only a subjective and personal emotion, but nonetheless, it is an encouraging affirmation that the memories and affections embodied in the project have resonated with a kindred spirit.
