Project: The Flow of Time House
Architecture: MW Archstudio
Lead Architects: Le Minh Quang, Nguyen Ái Thy
Design Team: Le Thi Thu Huong, Nguyen Phuoc Quoc Thang
Location: Thị xã Hương Thủy, Vietnam
Area: 204 m2
Year: 2018
Photo Credits: Hiroyuki Oki
The Flow of Time House is a townhouse designed by MW Archstudio, situated in Hue, Vietnam. The residence occupies a compact 5m x 20m plot, a standard layout in Vietnamese housing subdivisions. Designed for a young couple and their two daughters, the house embraces both modern functionality and cultural heritage while addressing the challenges posed by its south-facing orientation, which exposes it to intense sunlight and high temperatures.
Integrating Climate and History into Design
Hue, the historic and cultural heart of Vietnam, has a unique climate that transitions between the distinct monsoon patterns of the north and south. Recognizing this, the design of the Flow of Time House aligns with both historical influences and environmental adaptability. The architectural approach integrates local history, climate considerations, and cultural traditions to create a home that harmonizes past and present.
Buffer Zones: A Solution for Climate Adaptation
To mitigate extreme heat and improve ventilation, the house incorporates continuous buffer zones. These spaces serve multiple purposes:
- Between the exterior and interior: Prevents thermal shock by regulating airflow and temperature before entering living areas.
- Between interior spaces: Facilitates seamless movement, ensuring comfort and flexibility.
- With natural light management: Carefully positioned aluminum-glass doors allow light to enter in controlled amounts, ensuring illumination without excessive heat. Trees and greenery within the buffer zones further cool the air before it reaches the interiors.
Through these strategies, natural light disperses evenly throughout the home, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. At the same time, layers of green plants help lower temperatures, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems.
Minimalist Design with a Cultural Narrative
The Flow of Time House follows a minimalist approach, focusing only on essential functions while maintaining an emphasis on family communication and cohesion. This design philosophy aligns with the indigenous values of Vietnamese culture, where strong family bonds take precedence. The home fosters interaction among its inhabitants, countering the growing trend of disconnection in modern Vietnamese society.
Blending Memories with Contemporary Aesthetics
While the house embraces modernity, it also integrates elements that evoke memories of traditional Vietnamese life:
- Gardens and door frames bring nostalgic references to rural landscapes.
- Walls descending from height to the living room, merging with a small native-plant garden, mimic waterfalls and streams.
- Softly radiated light on vertical walls recalls fireflies at night or sky lanterns drifting into the air.
- Traditional Hue-style furniture and decor reinforce cultural identity within contemporary spaces.
- A chandelier inspired by old birdcages connects past and present, enhancing the house’s poetic atmosphere.
A Balance Between Privacy and Connection
The bedrooms for both parents and children maintain privacy while fostering interaction, a key characteristic of Vietnamese culture. This careful balance ensures a living environment that nurtures closeness yet respects personal space.
A Timeless Story in Architecture
The Flow of Time House embodies the seamless integration of modern living with cultural heritage. Through its carefully crafted architecture, the house becomes more than just a dwelling—it is a story of continuity, carrying forward the memories of past generations while adapting to the evolving needs of the future.
