Sanuki Daisuke Architects redefines the tube house typology in Vietnam, creating Vung Tau House, a home that merges urban density with natural light, ventilation, and greenery. The project addresses the challenges of the typical nhà ống (tube house) design, which dominates Vietnam’s urban landscape—narrow, elongated plots flanked by neighboring walls and limited to a single open facade.
Responding to these constraints, the architects introduce a cross-sectional model that separates the house into enclosed private spaces and open, interconnected communal areas, allowing natural light and ocean breezes to permeate the interiors.
To mitigate the harsh afternoon sunlight, the west-facing facade is equipped with light steel shades composed of angled panels. These stacked elements cast shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, creating a playful and ever-changing visual experience. The shaded buffer zone reduces heat, filters daylight, and fosters a vibrant, semi-outdoor environment.
all images by Hiroyuki Oki, courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke Architects
Sanuki Daisuke建筑事务所位于Ho Chi Minh市,设计师巧妙地将住宅用地设计成左右邻居之间的“空白”地。住宅的一层设计有私密空间和泳池区,两者构成了一个坚实的基础。从二层开始采用错层楼板,创造出层层叠叠的开放空间。这些楼板联合中庭过道和楼梯组成住宅的交通空间,使各个功能之间相互联系。
Ho Chi Minh City-based Sanuki Daisuke Architects conceptualize the entire site as a ‘blank’ space between neighboring buildings. On the ground floor, private rooms and play areas establish a solid base, while staggered floor slabs from the second floor upwards create layers of open spaces. These overlapping levels are connected by a circulation system of bridges and staircases.
The house occupies a standard strip-shaped plot, measuring approximately four to eight meters in width and 20 meters in depth, with its west-facing front exposed to intense tropical sunlight. This orientation often leads to uncomfortable living conditions, while the enclosed sides and rear restrict ventilation and daylight. A soaring atrium, extending from the first floor to the roof, channels airflow through the home, while a ten-meter White Champak tree planted in the front yard creates a verdant focal point. This vertical garden connects the house’s spaces visually and spatially, embodying the idea of living in harmony with nature.
Children can play under dappled sunlight while enjoying the growing greenery, which evolves alongside the house. Movable partitions such as sliding and folding doors further dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that every room maintains a strong connection to the garden.
▲ Sanuki Daisuke建筑事务所设计的住宅重新定义了越南管式住宅
Sanuki Daisuke Architects redefines the tube house typology in Vietnam
▲ Vung Tau住宅完美地将城市密度、自然采光通风以及绿植融合在一起
Vung Tau House is a home that merges urban density with natural light, ventilation, and greenery
▲ 该项目完美地解决了管式住宅的弊端
the project addresses the challenges of the typical tube house design
▲ 管式住宅一般是建在狭窄的地块内,两侧紧邻墙体,只有一面临街
tube houses are built on narrow plots and are flanked by neighboring walls and limited to a single open facade
▲ 针对管式住宅的缺陷,设计师在该住宅内部置入了一个中庭
responding to these constraints, the architects introduce a cross-sectional model
▲ 置入的中庭将住宅内部的私密空间与开放空间分隔开来
the layout separates the house into enclosed private spaces and open communal areas
▲ 中庭的设计可以将自然光线与海风引进室内
allowing natural light and ocean breezes to permeate the interiors
▲ 这些堆叠的轻钢结构可以根据光线角度的不同而在室内形成不同的光影图案
the stacked elements cast shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day
▲ 阴影缓冲区可以减少热量进入室内,并创造一个充满活力的半室外活动空间
the shaded buffer zone reduces heat, filters daylight, and fosters a vibrant, semi-outdoor environment
▲ Sanuki Daisuke建筑事务所的设计师巧妙地将住宅用地设计成左右邻居之间的“空白”地
Sanuki Daisuke Architects conceptualize the entire site as a ‘blank’ space between neighboring buildings
▲ 该住宅用地是一个标准的条形空间
the house occupies a standard strip-shaped plot