Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

By Trang Vy   July 25, 2022 | 06:00 am PT
A glass house made of four blocks of transparent glass stands in the heart of central Hue Town, surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.
Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

Built on a 100-square-meter plot, the Labri project boasts a floor area of 55-square-meters and is located at the end of an alley at the center of Hue Town.

The owner's desire was to have a one-story house that is functional enough to live in and close to nature.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

From that idea, the team of architects designed a house to the theme of trees growing from the soil.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

Labri has four blocks of different heights arranged at different angles. Four blocks of transparent glass make up the four proportionate family areas.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

Three outer layers of sound-proof glass, creeping plants and concrete protect the house from the hot sun. In the summer, indoor temperatures remain cool, while in the rainy or dry seasons, the house is airy and temperate.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

All four blocks include only one floor with plumeria trees planted on the rooftops.

According to the architect, plumeria is a light-loving and drought-resistant plant, making it suitable for all climates, especially the tropics.

Branches and leaves help shade the house from Hue’s harsh sunlight during the dry season. The tree is additionally resilient to storms in the rainy season.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

The house is surrounded by a variety of plants, especially vines and creepers that serve air filtration purposes.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

The blocks are inter-connected by corridors and stairs and are all bathed in natural sunlight.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

The interior of the house comprises red oak, a sturdy wood with good resistance to moisture and water.

Labri's interior is minimalistic, with light considered a decorative element in creating visual and aesthetic effects.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

Its opaque design blurs the boundaries between the in- and exterior.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

Bedrooms are decorated with simple furniture, with curtains providing privacy as required.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

A depiction of Labri's ventilation system.

Wind from the lake in front of the house blows through the main door axis, combined with windows and skylights to create air passages. Skylights help increase convection, provide natural and fresh air to the living space, and at the same time push hot air under the house to escape to the roof.

Glass house provides window on nature in central Vietnam

The house was completed after months. The owner does not disclose the construction cost.

 
 
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