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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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K59 Atelier Creates A Dialogue With The Sun, Wind And Rain
HomesRebecca Gross

K59 Atelier Creates A Dialogue With The Sun, Wind And Rain

Vietnam

Borrowing elements from traditional dwellings, K59 Atelier has designed Tile Roof House to withstand the tropical monsoon climate and contribute to the cultural identity of Ho Chi Minh City.


Vernacular architecture emerges as a response to a specific location, adapted to climate and environment, and designed for local needs, traditions and resources. Tile Roof House by K59 Atelier is a contemporary interpretation of vernacular architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Borrowing elements from traditional dwellings, it is designed to withstand the tropical monsoon climate and contribute to the cultural identity of the city.

“The concept of ‘place’ is always the starting point for K59 Atelier,” says Phan Lâm Nhật Nam. “Tile Roof House reflects the direction of the design team when they think about the development of indigenous architecture of their motherland.” K59 Atelier designed Tile Roof House to have a dialogue with the sun, wind and rain; to connect with nature; to meet the needs of the client (three generations of the same family); and to reimagine the traditional tile-roof houses that lined Ho Chi Minh’s streets. “Terracotta is a material associated with the memory of many family generations and has become representative of the image of ancient cities in Vietnam,” Phan explains.

Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | main entrance

 

A terracotta-tile roof slopes towards the street, punctured by two balconies that bring in natural light and facilitate cross ventilation.

 

Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | entrance

A terracotta-tile roof slopes towards the street, punctured by two balconies that bring in natural light and facilitate cross ventilation. Rainwater cascades down the steep gradient during monsoon season and is collected in a water tank hidden inside a concrete beam and used to water the garden in summer. “Any overflowing water can fall over its edge to form a natural waterfall for the children to enjoy at the entrance of the home,” says Phan.

The interior of Tile Roof House is divided into two volumes that relate to the path of the sun. The private and enclosed “stillness area” is positioned on the east side of the house where bedrooms, bathrooms and studies receive the afternoon sun. The lofty and open ‘action area’ is located on the west side so that it stays cool and airy in the afternoon. Its shared living spaces flow effortlessly from one room to the next to support relationships between family members, and to create a visual connection with the trees in the front and back yards.

Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | foyer

 

The interior of Tile Roof House is divided into two volumes that relate to the path of the sun.

 

Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | kitchen & dining

The underside of the terracotta riles are visible inside the home, as is the black metal supporting structure. The interior finishes, including white walls and polished concrete floor, are light and subdued to draw attention to the tiles, and timber furniture complements the bamboo shutter doors and joinery. “A modern lifestyle does not mean that we completely separate ourselves from nature. Rather living in harmony with the sun, wind, rain and trees should be prioritised,” Phan says.

K59 Atelier
k59atelier.com

Photography courtesy of k59 atelier

Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | open-plan kitchen/living
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | kitchen cabinetry
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | entry foyer
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | staircase
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | landing
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | stair railing
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | open foyer
Tile Roof House Vietnam K59 Atelier | balcony

We think you might also like K House by Norm Architects and Aim Architecture


About the Author

Rebecca Gross

Tags

ArchitectureClimatedesignHo Chi Minh CityK59 Atelierrebecca grossresidentialSaigonTerracottaTile Roof House


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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