Noah’s Nest by Archiro Vietnam: A ‘living’ home that evokes rice fields

Approximately one hour away from the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is the province of Tiền Giang, one of the largest rice-producing regions in the Mekong Delta. Its long-standing tradition of rice cultivation has played an important role in Vietnam’s agricultural and economic development. Although the region has diversified into other agricultural sectors, rice farming continues to hold a significant place in Tiền Giang’s cultural and historic landscape.

This is the hometown of actor Lâm Thanh Nhã who is the client for this project. He wanted to build a dwelling for his father that is deeply rooted in his childhood memories of rice fields, and also to serve as a space for creative recharge and retreat from the bustle of city life.

Familiar materials

The architects made use of local materials not only to evoke the agricultural history of Tiền Giang but also to support Lâm Thanh Nhã’s journey of self-development. The ‘unfinished’ design of the walls and windows symbolise a ‘living’ home that constantly needs care and attention, just as a bird builds and maintains its nest.

The building materials include rice straw panels (previously used for storing rice), tầm vông (small bamboo), reclaimed wood, bricks and decorative stone mortars. The use of such familiar materials serve as a shared memento that bridges the father and son’s different generations. It also kept the project budget-friendly compared to other homes of similar size. “We prioritised local craftsmanship, reducing transportation costs and contributing to the local economy,” said the architects. Engineers from their company guided the local workers to adapt the construction techniques to local resources while maintaining aesthetic and structural integrity.

An unusual approach

At the centre of the house is an atrium and skylight that allows for natural daylighting and cross ventilation, further enabled by large windows and open-plan layouts. Greenery is placed throughout the house, including in the living spaces, an approach that the architects mention to be relatively new for rural areas in southern Vietnam.

The unusual architectural design sparked curiosity and initial scepticism from the neighbourhood, according to the architects. But by engaging with them, explaining the project’s design philosophy and highlighting the connection to local culture, they were able to gain support. The architects recalled: “The community even began referring to the project affectionately with names like ‘resort of Vinh Binh (neighbourhood).’”

PROJECT DATA

Project Name
Noah’s Nest

Location
Tiền Giang, Vietnam

Completion Date
January 2024

Site Area
100 square metres

Gross Floor Area
110 square metres

Number of Rooms
6

Building Height
7.6 metres

Client/Owner
Lâm Thanh Nhã

Architecture Firm
Archiro Vietnam

Creative Director/Home Stylist
Trần Lê Vũ Thành

Principal Architect
Phạm Thị Huyền

Images/Photos/Video
Archiro Vietnam – Đạt Bùi

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