HIEN House by Winhouse Architecture in Hoa Ky, Vietnam

Project: HIEN HouseArchitects: Winhouse ArchitectureLocation: Hoa Ky, VietnamArea: 3,767 sq ftYear: 2023Photos: Khang Dam

HIEN House by Winhouse Architecture

Step into the world of the HIEN House, a harmonious sanctuary emerging in the heart of Danang's rapidly developing suburban area. This home, where a family of three generations lives, embodies traditions and comfort. Built around woodworking—a traditional craft passed down through the family—wood takes center stage, infusing nostalgia, economy, and warmth into its very essence.

Inspiration is drawn from rural architecture and childhood memories. The HIEN House gracefully blends tradition with modernity. 'Hiên' is a Vietnamese word meaning veranda, highlighting the tropical climate and creating a connection between interior and exterior spaces.

Green zones thrive within living areas, nurturing beneficial organisms and repelling pests with aromatic herbs. Reclaimed wood regains its natural beauty, adorning the roof, staircase, and interior furniture. This home is a testament to family unity, where love, traditions, and nature intertwine into a sustainable work of art that leaves an unforgettable mark in the urban environment.

The HIEN House is located in a newly formed suburban zone of Danang, offering panoramic views of the scenic Han River. It's a new place where a family of three generations lives together in a cozy setting. Woodworking is their traditional profession, handed down through generations, and it became the primary inspiration for choosing wood as the main material in this project. This choice not only ensures comfort and nostalgia but also saves costs, as the owners themselves participate in woodworking during construction.

Rural villages are deeply rooted in generations of family memories. The design team does not want to disrupt their familiar territory, lifestyle, and traditions when transitioning into an urban environment. The house structure incorporates typical elements of 'rural architecture.' In Vietnamese, 'Hiên' means veranda—covered space with a roof that serves as a buffer zone between indoor and outdoor areas. This is not just a decorative element but a traditional architectural feature suitable for Central Vietnam's tropical climate. Some functions are organized similarly to their rural home, as the team believes adaptation is key.

The design focuses on the relationship between people and nature. Green zones are seamlessly integrated into living areas, creating an unbreakable bond between nature and daily life. This provides a comfortable space for beneficial organisms while repelling pests and dangerous creatures by growing aromatic herbs that naturally deter them. The garden occupies part of the green area, contributing to the overall landscape and providing fresh produce for the family.

Wood is reclaimed from old structures and reused to finish the roof, staircase, and interior furniture in this project. Natural properties of wood are preserved without chemical surface treatments. Materials and labor come locally, ensuring economic efficiency, environmental protection, and construction sustainability.

The HIEN House is more than just a house; it's a symbol of love and passion for family craftsmanship, a place that strengthens familial bonds. Combining modern and traditional elements with nature, the team aims to leave a valuable mark in the cultural identity of home amidst an ever-evolving urban context.

–Winhouse Architecture