When asked to design a house in a highly dense neighborhood of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we are faced with many challenges (a West-facing long and narrow building lot with three sides blocked by other houses), which simultaneously pose fascinating opportunities for economical and innovative design solutions. Blade House is a narrow building set on a plot that is just 3.5m x 21.5m wide. Due to this site condition, we have been asked to make the most of every centimeter of space on offer. After applying for building to land ratio, there was left only an average of 42㎡/floor for the residential area.
The ground floor houses a cozy shop for IT devices and the entrance to the residential area made up two apartments. The flat at the first elevated floor consists of two bedrooms, a toilet and an open living space with the kitchen and dining area. A small patio with a big tree creates a void that brings sunlight as well as a breezy and relaxing appeal. Same space organization is for the flat above made by two levels connected by an internal spiral staircase. Additional area includes two bedrooms, a toilet and a loggia. On the outside, the compact volume is treated with fair-face concrete panels sitting on a set of columns, while the entrance hall is cladded with white plaster. Stepping inside, you will find a surprisingly cheerful and light-filled interior that works around the constraints of the lot and manages to create an inviting and pleasant ambiance.
