Kaleidoscope is a unique building situated within a factory complex in central Vietnam, serving both residential and office functions. The surrounding climate is challenging—extreme heat waves dominate the dry season, while typhoons and floods are common during the rainy season. Nestled between mountains and the sea, this location offers ever-changing, kaleidoscopic landscapes in all directions and at different times of the day.
The project’s goal was to create a sheltered environment resilient to the harsh tropical climate while enhancing the occupants’ connection to nature through innovative architectural features.
The building’s vast conical roof draws inspiration from the traditional Vietnamese farmer’s hat, known as the ‘nón lá,’ casting expansive shadows across the structure. Between the double-layered roofs, ventilation chambers reduce heat gain and provide insulation. Additionally, deep eaves allow the central windows to remain open during rainfall. The building rests on a suspended slab, effectively protecting the interior from ground moisture.
Strategically placed solid walls run perpendicular to the roof’s outer perimeter, forming a series of V-shaped configurations. These create triangular private spaces that open outward, while simultaneously defining a spacious central area designed for offices and communal activities. The cave-like atmosphere of this central office space adapts seamlessly to the changing natural light throughout the day.
Perforated ventilation blocks, a common feature in tropical architecture, regulate airflow and create captivating light and shadow patterns. In this project, custom prefabricated blocks form the exterior surface of the triangular volumes, providing privacy while blending with the scale of the building. These fiber-reinforced concrete blocks are notably larger than standard sizes to complement the grand architectural presence.
Situated in a remote region, the building integrates both living and working spaces under a single expansive roof. The structure is organized into seven triangular volumes that delineate private and public zones. Enclosed spaces such as bedrooms and private offices occupy the interiors of these volumes, while the areas between them serve communal purposes like central offices and reception rooms.
As day transitions into night, the building’s primary function shifts from work to living. To minimize light pollution and preserve the surrounding natural landscape, the lighting design is subtle and harmoniously bridges day and night. When the sun sets in the west, the building transforms into a warm, inviting “big house,” glowing softly as it replaces the daytime interplay of sunlight and shadows with gentle illumination.
This project came to life after a five-year wait in a remote part of Vietnam. Construction was undertaken by a combined team of skilled workers from Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city, alongside local migrant workers with minimal experience. This collaborative process involved careful step-by-step execution and moments of improvisation. Beyond representing the client’s vision, the project supports the development of local craftsmanship and offers insight into the potential of rural architecture.
Project Drawings
△ Location Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Perspective View
Project Information
Architect: Inrestudio / Kosuke Nishijima
Area: 960 square meters
Year: 2022
Photographer: Hiroyuki Oki
Suppliers: Daikin, Dimo Home, Hafele, Milli, Panasonic, Toto, Unios, Vietceramics, YKK AP
Lead Architect: Kosuke Nishijima
Design Team: Nguyen Quynh Han, Vo Hanh Nhan
Client: Hoang Long Mineral JSC
Project Management: Hoang Long Mineral JSC
Structural Engineers: Cao Chánh Trung, Phan Minh Hiền
Architectural Design: Inrestudio
Construction Contractor: Hoang My SG
Lighting Consultant: nanoHome
Location: Vietnam
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