In February 2020, Sky House architects MIA Design Studio won the Realized Award at the 33rd World Architecture Community Awards in London.
Hồ Chí Minh has the highest density of construction, vehicles and population in Việt Nam. All this congestion leads to a lack of green spaces, where residents can seek tranquillity and sit in harmony with nature to release stress.
The award-winning single-family dwelling sits in the shadows of towering skyscrapers which brings the feeling that Sky House is located at the floor of a valley. Without any external influence or intention, Nguyen Hoang Manh and his team at MIA Design Studio found the solution to create connections with natural elements through every corner of the house.
The design divides the house into two parts. The first half is devoted to the sun, wind, water and trees, or simply empty spaces, while the other half is dedicated to family activities. The void provides a vertical connection between the house and the sky, enabling an appreciation of the changes in weather and daylight hours. The architecture is no longer dependent on the external surroundings but has created and immanent landscape using greenery, water and light.
Light is allowed to move throughout the space freely. The reflection off the pools adds to the connection to nature. The integrated luminaires are essential in the life of the residents and home. As day turns to night, the lights bring warmth, soul and harmony in the homestead.
This is how architecture can heal people’s soul by harmonising with nature. “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere”, said Vincent van Gogh.
To see the full project feature in First Light Edition 2 click here!
Credits
Architect: Mia Design Studio
Consulting Engineer: Boydens Engineering Vietnam
Head Contractor: AVDH
Electrical Contractor: Khai Ming Eng
Principle Architect: Nguyen Hoang Manh
Concept Design: Truong Nguyen Quoc Trung
Interior Design: Le Vu Hai Trieu, Bui Viet Kien
Technical Design: Bui Hoang Bao
Developer: Mr Manh Nguyen
Lighting supplier: Unios Vietnam
Photographs: Trieu Chien, Oki Hiroyuki, Hoang Le
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