The Odd One Out

In today's world, there is constant pressure to blend in and follow the trend. With its 380 square foot plot size, the new kid on the block did not care about his neoclassical neighbours. He chose to pave his own way and stamp his mark in full sight in Vietnam's most densely populated city.

“The Odd One Out” is a celebration of this core architectural concept: articulate limited spatial situations focusing on its resident's home living experience. 3 important virtues became integral in its conception; natural light, natural ventilation and safety. These were the driving factors on the aesthetics, a far cry from the existing bling next door.

Natural light plays a significant role in architecture as form and material. Its presence (or lack of) provides the dynamic atmospheric moods of a room in the house. The skylight windows illuminate the staircase with cones of lights as it's only a passageway. In contrast, the large sliding window panes on the facade guarantee the longest period of natural light. It influences the use and mode of occupation of the spaces throughout the day. The double story void is designed for living spaces to enjoy greater light exposure and become areas of conviviality for the family. These large windows allow the space to turn outward. Gaze at the skyline through them. As shadows fight their way against natural light, they affect each spatial unit and furniture. These lend themselves to different behaviours. The rooftop transforms into an ideal hangout spot to chill. Private spaces provide havens for retreat and recharging the residents' batteries.

The Odd One Out embeds natural ventilation as a key component in its architectural design. The choice of a black steel mesh allowed the staircase to serve as a solar chimney where hot air is drawn out, enhancing cross ventilation throughout the house. Its permeability in the void also allows all the bathrooms to capture natural light and air. This perpetual circulation improves the house air quality. Cleaner and cooler air reduce health hazards and provide a more pleasant and consistent temperature for the occupants. Owning a sustainable "passive energy" house means cost-effective energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.

Emphasised by a palette of black textured materials, the design of the facade consists of integrated steel mesh modules that act as anti robber as well as privacy screens to the living and bedroom spaces. The users of the house have the flexibility of opening their windows at all times while feeling secure in their home. The black protruded steel plate window reveals help to control the solar heat gains on the south-facing windows.

When designing the Odd One Out, the team at NU Architecture & Design succeeded in bringing out the client’s personality to life through the design experience. From the first sketch to choosing the materials and furniture, the client was involved in the design plan every step of the way. The end product: a bold design whose aesthetics and purpose are a true reflection of how the client envisioned his family’s home despite the size of their lot.