A House That Forms A Bridge Between Two Different Cultures
Blending two styles is always challenging and things get even more complicated when two different cultures are involved. Even two regions that are close to each other geographically or two parts of the same country can have big cultural differences. For example, Northern and Southern Vietnam are quite different. The North is quite traditional in a lot of senses while the South is more liberal. These details are reflected in a variety of fields including architecture and interior design.
This house was built by Landmak Architecture in 2016. The studio was established in 2008 by two young architects with a passion for modern design and a desire to bring this concept to their country. The house is located in Can Thor, Vietnam and it was designed for a young couple and brings together the Northern and Southern part of Vietnam.
The clients wanted the house to reflect the differences between each one’s birth place as well as those between their styles. The two cultures that define the couple had to be impregnated into the design of the house and the result had to be a harmonious composition defined by contrasts. In order to highlight this strong discrepancy the architects decided to organize the house into several different blocks.
These blocks are linked by bridges. One of them is yellow and it connects the master bedroom suite and its adjacent spaces to the social area. In between these blocks an interior courtyard is formed, allowing trees to become a part of the house.
The bridge isn’t just a physical link between two blocks. It’s also a metaphor of the connection between past and present and between the two cultures that define the couple living here.
The blocks are organized in two volumes connected by concrete stairs. The spaces are not particularly large but the interior design simple, classy and inviting. A Butterfly Chair complements a small table and a wooden bench here, turning the space into a casual lounge area. The hairpin legs contrast with the robust bench as well as with the stairs.
In addition to the interior courtyard which adds a fresh touch to the entire house, there are also numerous other features that bring nature inside. Take this space divider for instance or the small zen garden adjacent to the lounge area.
The dining area has its own zen garden and panorama window. It lets natural light into the room while also bringing in color, texture and freshness.
The maser bedroom and its en-suite bathroom occupy the volume at the end of the yellow bridge. A platform bed occupies most of the room leaving enough space for storage cabinets and other accent pieces.