Project: Quang Ngai House
Architecture: 6717 studio
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Area: 190 m2
Year: 2020
Photo Credits: Hiroyuki Oki
Quang Ngai House by 6717 Studio brings back the peaceful, nostalgic life of the past using modern architecture. In today’s fast-paced cities, narrow blocks and busy streets have become common. However, the owners long to recapture the warmth of childhood homes. This project does just that by redefining what a boundary means.
Boundaries That Connect
Traditionally, boundaries separate and protect. In modern cities, they often create fragmented spaces. Quang Ngai House takes a different approach. Instead of isolating, the design uses boundaries to connect. Bricks—materials used for generations—form the courtyard and fences. Rather than keeping people apart, these fences gently mark a small, private corner for the owners. The courtyard extends the interior, linking private life with the outside world.
Light, Space, and Atmosphere
The design focuses on light and its effects throughout the day. Inside, skylights, internal courtyards, and glass windows create smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. As natural light filters through the courtyard, bright tropical sunlight softens and turns into the darker hues of the furniture. This careful use of light increases the depth and perception of space while regulating the climate inside the house. In this way, the home feels intimate and comfortable, and nature seems to move with time.
Nostalgia and Modern Touches
Nostalgia plays a key role in Quang Ngai House. At the center of the home, an altar connects all the living spaces on the ground floor. This feature adds warmth and convenience, especially for the elderly. In addition, a “binh phong”—an artistically carved screen—and a water feature, common in vernacular architecture, are reinterpreted in a modern way. These elements bring elegance and a personal touch to the altar, affirming the bond between spiritual and modern life.
Private Retreats and Flexible Interiors
The bedroom is located at the end of the house, known as “the lower house.” This position creates tranquility and privacy while still maintaining a connection with other living areas. Furthermore, the balcony and the courtyard open up the view of the green space behind the rooms. Minimalist furniture increases flexibility and allows the space to be used in different ways. The design also emphasizes the reuse of old furniture, such as the cherished “Phan” or the familiar altar that has long been important to the owner.
In summary, Quang Ngai House redefines boundaries as connectors rather than dividers. It brings together the nostalgia of the past with modern design elements, creating a home that is both elegant and deeply personal.
