The four-bedroom family villa “Tropical Chalet” reflects the simplicity of its idyllic context through a porous design that welcomes the surrounding environment of lakefront greenery. The rectangular plot is cushioned in a new town residential area in the Vietnamese coastal region of Danang, a tranquil area along the seaside.
The plot faces a lake, revealing a marine panorama that is optimized by the L-shaped massing of the building. The large surrounding garden respects the native context and creates a cool and placid atmosphere for the family to enjoy.
Two main elements form the rhythm and narrative of the design. First, the porosity of the brick Moucharaby façade in combination with the recessed gallery creates a certain transparency that welcomes exterior elements of sunlight, cross ventilation and panoramic views into the communal areas. The ground floor’s shared spaces of dining hall, living room and kitchen are simultaneously open, yet protected from costal weather conditions.
Second, the remarkable form of the geometric and undulating roof continues the design narrative, creating a unique perspective and a varied experience for each user. From the interior, the roof represents a smooth cool surface of waxed concrete hiding the structural framework of the terracotta tiled roofing from view. This “double roof façade”, visually discrete, reinforces the sustainability of the project by offering cooling characteristics.
The materials were chosen not only for their sturdiness and climate resistance – particularly bricks with their insulating qualities – but also for their minimal and natural aesthetic, once again blending with the surrounding landscape. A strong presence of wood, textured concrete and rough brick highlights the organic nature of the concept, also referring to the historical context of Danang’s baked brickwork, which has been used since as early as the 4th century.
