Que Son House is located in Vietnam, designed by BOW.atelier + KAN in a 150 m² area. Crossing the alley in the middle of the acacia forest, the roof of Quế Sơn’s house looms in the green background. That large roof block covers the entire building, indoor and outdoor spaces into a bulk. With the thickness to create a good insulation space, the large-aperture eave helps to regulate the shade and coolness of the building at a moderate level, limiting the harshness of the central climate.
Text Description Provided By: Que Son House Architects “BOW.atelier + KAN.”
With the routine of the old house, the kitchen is where family members often gather to eat, drink and gossip together. The flat ceiling system has a low height, spreading under the roof block, creating an invisible pressure so that the eye always has horizontal focus, from which we try to make “panting” of the garden through the roof. Through the gaps, concise and still, only humans relax with nature.
Keeping those values, this space is prioritized to be arranged in the center of the new house, with two openings to the orchard and especially the spacious front yard. Every reunion, anniversary, or spring comes… the brothers, relatives near and far, or neighbors can gather together in the yard, comfortably raise a glass, and admire the light countryside scenery, despite the impact of a bit of sunshine and a little rain. In 2022, we were fortunate to be exposed to many interesting rural housing projects. Each had a different story about people and architecture, but all with one question in common: What does the mild form of a house look like?
We have been unable to explain or clarify it. Still, throughout the design and construction process, we see the trust and understanding of the previous generation, patience, and meticulousness in each detail. Every detail of the iron and wood is a perfection of local master craftsmen who are probably the source of that peace.
Photos by: Quang Dam
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