Apart from the tiny plot size, this Saigon abode has nothing in common with the city’s typical tube houses.
Designed by local architect collective Khuôn Studio and Phan Khac Tung, 18 House employs many design elements that are not usually seen in Saigon’s quick builds such as a washed-terrazzo façade, wooden sliding door and vintage tiles.
The house is home to a young couple with their toddler. Their requirement for the blueprint is something that’s both visually appealing and practical. The home must also accommodate the owners’ love for books and cozy reading corners.
After months of construction, the architects managed to fashion a stylish hẻm house on an 18-square-meter lot.
"We approached the design with a goal to strike a balance between utilising the space to its fullest and interpreting the creative freedom we had been given," the team shared with Dezeen.
"The exterior design was developed based on the notion of porosity. These openings help maintain the privacy level whilst at the same time keep the interior space exposed to daylight."
Because of the size limitations, the interior makes full use of spare pockets of space – under the stairs, under the bed – as storage closets.
The architects are also aware of the home’s safety issues and suggested that the staircase be outfitted with rope nets once the toddler starts learning to walk.
Have a look at Khuôn Studio’s modern home below:
[Photos by Hiroyuki Oki via Zing]