The Tile Nest house in Vietnam is a sculpturesque form in local clay tiles

Vietnamese architecture at large, especially the residential sector is fast transforming, for the better, and sees a radical shift in urbanisation that is simultaneously rooted in sustainable principles, local narratives and topographies. It is heartening to witness a strong material identity, wherein a single structure braves to define its context by extensively drawing from it. The Tile Nest, crafted by the visionary minds at H&P Architects, stands tall as a testament to a celebration of the harmonious interplay between nature and design. The private residence is cocooned in a newly developing urban area of Phu Ly City in Vietnam's Ha Nam province.

Talking about their approach to the design, H&P Architects shares, "Since this area is supposed to have deep underground graves (due to its proximity to the former cemetery), it is, therefore, necessary to excavate the old soil layer before construction to clear the above-mentioned assumption. This perspective then helps develop the concept of making use of the excavated site as part of the house (after the old soil layer is removed) so that not only distinguishable special features are created but also the possibility to harness geothermal energy is made.”

The building's form is envisioned in response to the environment of the region, which resonates and reflects, inward and outward, transforming into an almost respiratory entity. The residential design displays an idea of a space which is a blend of many nooks and crannies finding all their way up to the ground and an ancient pit house partially hidden underground. This combination gives the residential architecture a distinct corrugated appearance, allowing seamless interaction with the perforated shell on the outside and a large space inside.

The outer shell features endless tiles suspended and arranged in various configurations to evoke a stacked roof and sun breakers inspired by traditional dwellings. The middle layer constitutes transitional green balconies at different heights, which bring about captivating views and help regulate the microclimate for spaces within. The interior spaces, in conjunction with an array of balconies and openings on different levels, adopt a blend of contemporary and raw approaches, ensuring convenience and comfort for its inhabitants.

 To give form to this intervention, the three main materials observed in the palette are steel, exposed concrete, wood and clay tiles whose natural qualities enhance the aesthetics of the house day by day. Showing restraint that borders on a minimalist approach, these materials encompass a multitude of applications in interior design, comprising the vast majority of the home’s features. The overall scheme not only channels a notion of vernacular architecture but also connects the users with the culture of the region. The centralised layout adopts a much softer approach to developing airy and expansive spaces, planned to have either direct physical or visual contact with the green terraces outside, adding an essential layer that fosters slow living.

The architecture sets a pleasing example of how a built form could have a cohesive impact both in its functionality and relationship with the environment, thanks to the multiple intricate openings on the walls, various balconies and terraces. It is a complete antithesis to the archetypal image of the design vocabulary of a private residence that should rather be built in its place. The design team has ingeniously woven sustainable principles into the very fabric of this home, embodying a resolute commitment to ecological harmony.

Concluding on its approach, the studio reflects on the dwelling, “For a long time, tile has become a familiar and popular material with Vietnamese people, yet it is applied to this house in an unusual way to make its presence felt by seeing through, touching and sensing properties, thereby creating different but close experiences in the space of flower-like patterns from sunshine reflection, wind and the scent of plants—an architecture immersed in nature." It is the volume that makes this space stand out primarily, however, anchoring it is the façade design.