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Architects: Nha Dan Architects
- Area: 400 m²
- Year: 2015
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Photographs:Hiroyuki Oki
Text description provided by the architects. Located within a new residential development in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam, the house is threatened by frequent flooding due to poor storm drain system. Consequently, the client requested the floors to be raised as high from the ground as possible without exceeding the allowable height limit. We propose to suspend the entire volume on 4 concrete pilotis and beams, thereby creating a multipurpose outdoor space beneath the house.
On a regular basis, this space can be used for recreational activities such as exercising, karaoke, and informal gathering. When necessary, this space can combine with the terrace on the first floor, forming an even larger area for family get-together and parties.
The remaining program is staggered on each floor to make room for private gardens and terraces. In the center, a circulation shaft consisting of terraces and stairways keeps the house naturally ventilated. Supported by a grid of circular steel columns, the roof generates a buffer zone between the sun and the attic to mitigate the tropical heat of Vietnam.
Floating House is designed as three distinct elements: foundation, inhabited volume, and roof; yet they are all connected together by the four pilotis to “float” effortlessly in the air.
