Double-skinned family home redefines suburban living in Vietnam
Inrestudio's design creates transitional spaces through layered facade approach
1Design for multigenerational living
The 100 Windows house by Inrestudio spans 639 square meters in Hanoi's suburbs. Designed for three households (a couple, their two sons and families), the home responds to Vietnam's tropical climate and anticipated urban development. Its terracotta-toned double-layered facade creates private outdoor pockets while facilitating cross-ventilation. Dark textured concrete forms the elevated base, integrating basalt-paved outdoor areas with pool and living spaces.
2Architectural response to ambiguity
Studio founder Niko describes the project as "shaped around ambiguity" - neither urban nor rural, with evolving family structures. The design maintains minimal house symbolism while distinguishing itself through numerous openings. The '100 Windows' name represents symbolic abundance rather than literal count. Shelving and workspaces are carved into the facade's thickness, combining functionality with distinctive aesthetics.
3Climate-responsive solutions
The double-skin facade addresses Hanoi's humidity through strategic window placement. Aligned openings maintain views while offset ones create shaded balconies. The cavity houses ventilation channels cooling interiors finished with dark timber floors and exposed concrete ceilings. This passive cooling system reduces energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort - crucial in Vietnam's climate where temperatures regularly exceed 35°C with high humidity.
4Adaptable spatial organization
Two bedroom floors and an upper living area accommodate changing family configurations. Niko explains: "The plan remains generic to embrace multiple futures". Dining areas connect to the pool, while living spaces extend toward building edges, creating undefined 'in-between' gathering spots. These transitional zones become social hubs, challenging conventional room definitions in residential architecture.
5Redefining suburban architecture
The design team highlights suburban specificity: "Urban homes can't afford this spatial richness, while countryside already has generous outdoors". The rooftop terrace features terracotta-colored concrete beams continuing the roof slope. This material palette references local traditions while meeting contemporary needs - a growing trend in Vietnamese architecture where 62% of new residential projects now incorporate regional materials.
6Local material innovation
Terracotta, basalt and textured concrete dominate the material selection. Beyond aesthetics, these choices serve functional purposes: terracotta facade references vernacular architecture, basalt flooring ensures durability, and exposed concrete ceilings provide thermal mass. Material thickness varies from 15cm for structural walls to 5cm for partition walls, demonstrating thoughtful load distribution in this seismic zone.
7Emerging Vietnamese architectural trends
100 Windows reflects Vietnam's architectural evolution, joining notable projects like ODDO Architects' alley-inspired extensions and Live Out Studio's perforated brick homes. A 2023 survey shows 78% of Vietnamese architects now prioritize climate-responsive features over purely aesthetic considerations. This shift responds to increasing urbanization, with Hanoi's population growing 3.2% annually, demanding innovative housing solutions.
8Future-proof architectural flexibility
The house anticipates both immediate needs and long-term adaptability. As Niko notes: "Life seeps toward the edges where people gather". This approach gains relevance in rapidly urbanizing Hanoi, where suburban districts expand by 5km² yearly. The project offers a resilient model combining climate sensitivity with social flexibility - crucial as Vietnam faces 1.5°C temperature rise projections by 2050 according to climate models.