Architect: A21 Studio
Location: Nha Trang, Khánh Hoa, Vietnam
This house, known as The Tent because of its shape, was built using local techniques and is self-supporting. The tropical climate and isolated situation on a sheltered mountain slope make spatial delimitations practically superfluous.
The Tent stands on the incline of a craggy mountain, directly above a river. The house faces west, meaning that protection from the extreme heat was a primary task in designing the roof. On the slope side, the roof descends to ground level: it opens to the sides, towards the river valley. On the valley side, it touches down only at two corner points. The raised roof edges allow a view of the river and the city centre opposite. At the same time, the wind comes up from the water, flows under the building’s shell and helps cool the house.
The bedroom is the only area that has been equipped with walls. Wood-framed glass elements protect guests from nocturnal drafts. In front of the private living area, a net spreads into the gallery space and can be used as a hammock above the water of the swimming pool.
The structure is made of traditional building techniques, local materials and antique tiles.
The 10 X 25 cm wooden joists enable a span of eleven metres. Mortise-and-tenon joints were used as a traditional building method. The building’s cover comprises three layers: two-centimetre wooden planks, a waterproof membrane and a 30-centimetre insulating layer of coconut leaves.