A Storm’s Delicate Aftermath
Kho Rèn House is a residential project designed by M+TRO Studio for a family of five. The house is located on a compact 100-square-meter plot in a dense residential area near the An Cuu River in Hue, Vietnam. The design focuses on maximizing access to nature and fresh air in this tightly packed location.
Maximizing Nature and Ventilation
M+TRO Studio achieved this by creating a ventilated atrium and a double-layered facade made up of full-height glazing and slanted concrete panels with green spaces in between.
Exterior of Kho Rèn House by M+TRO Studio
The angled concrete panels wrap around the house, offering protection against the sun and rain while ensuring ventilation.
“The plot’s zigzagging boundaries create a distinctive and challenging form for the design, and the frontage of the land faces west, which presents significant disadvantages considering the tropical climate of central Vietnam,” said Tran Minh Tuan, the project lead. “We implemented two layers of protection interspersed with greenery running from the ground floor to the rooftop, shielding the structure from direct sunlight and rain while ensuring ventilation and maintaining views of the An Cuu River.”
Entrance of Kho Rèn House by M+TRO Studio
The entrance is marked by perforated brickwork.
The entrance of the house leads into an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area, with a bathroom and skylit staircase situated on the more enclosed southern side of the home.
Instead of covering the plot’s zigzag boundaries, the design emphasizes them, creating open spaces connected to a central courtyard where family members can gather. “Children can play chess, and parents can enjoy morning coffee, forming a unique character based on the land’s distinctive shape,” said Tuan.
Living Area of Kho Rèn House
The open-plan living area is connected directly to the outdoors through sliding glass doors.
Bedrooms and Living Space
The four bedrooms are split across two storeys. They open onto steel-grating balconies sheltered by the slanted concrete screens. The first floor also has access to a small wooden hut at the end of the garden via a metal staircase.
On the top floor, a swimming pool and wooden terrace are sheltered by an overhanging wooden roof. The rooftop pool area offers panoramic views of the city.
Interior Materials
The exposed concrete structure and steel walkways and staircases define the interiors. These materials are contrasted by warm timber furniture and fittings, creating a balanced atmosphere.
“Steel grating panels were used for staircases and flooring in areas requiring natural light and airflow,” said Tuan. “Large sliding glass doors provide uninterrupted views while maximizing light intake, and wood was primarily used in the interior to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, balancing the other materials like concrete, steel, and glass.”
Rooftop Pool
The rooftop features a swimming pool and terrace, offering a serene retreat with a view of the surrounding city.
Photos: Hoàng Lê
