The louvered leaves bring nature right into the home.
Situated on a narrow lot measuring 7 meters wide (facing west) and 14 meters long (facing south) in Hue, Vietnam, this louvered house addresses common urban challenges. In Vietnamese cities, homes are typically narrow and uniform, lined closely together. This proximity often limits natural light and ventilation, as houses share walls on both sides.
Hue experiences some of the highest rainfall in Vietnam, influencing the design approach. To tackle these challenges, a layered, upward “stacking” technique was developed, inspired by the way carpenters construct louver doors—creating ventilated and waterproof layers in between.
This concept is applied in two key ways in the residence: first, with glass louvers and folded walls on the front facade, and second, through a lightweight brick wall system at the back of the house.
The front facade’s folded wall design effectively blocks harsh sunlight and shields the home from heavy winter rains, while still allowing smooth airflow. These angular folds not only serve a functional purpose but also create a distinctive, modern aesthetic that is both simple and visually striking.
△ Sectional perspective view
At the rear, a lightweight brick wall system introduces natural light and air into the home while protecting it from intense summer heat and cold winter rains. This system integrates skylights and glass doors on the exterior facade to ensure ample daylight throughout the day.
The lightweight brick wall allows for ventilation and promotes air circulation within the house, enhancing indoor comfort.
Ventilation analysis of hollow brick walls
Utilizing the skylight and ventilation features on the back, a lush indoor garden was created within the lightweight brick walls. This garden acts as a natural air conditioner, cooling and purifying the air before it enters the home. It also helps reduce heat buildup caused by solar radiation.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden offers open green spaces visible from the bedrooms and bathrooms, fostering a relaxing and immersive atmosphere for the residents.
Additionally, a lush green grass carpet has been planted on the second-floor balcony, providing an inviting outdoor space where the young homeowners and their children can enjoy quality time together.
Design Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Mezzanine Plan
△ Roof Plan
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Hue, Vietnam
Architectural Design: Limdim House Studio
Area: 300 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Quang Dam
Suppliers: Toto, Adobe, Austdoor, AutoDesk, CARINY, Combo, Haller, INAX, M&A Art Tiles, SAT, Schneider Electric, Trimble Navigation
Lead Architect: Tran Ngo Chi Mai
Design Team: Tran Ngo Chi Mai, Ho Nguyen Dang Khoa, Hoang Dao Khanh Linh, Le Thien Trieu, Doan Minh Huan
Client: Chi Mai, Minh Huan
Engineer: Doan Minh Huan
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