ODDO Architects Builds Skinny 'Ch House' With Façade Made From Perforated Cement Blocks

In hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, ODDO architects has completed a residence that measures just 4.2 meters (14ft) in width. the home, titled ‘CH house’, has been designd for a three-generation family who wanted a quiet retreat away from the intensity of the city. filled with interior courtyards, which provide natural light and ventilation, the five-storey scheme references hanoi’s traditional houses.

all images by hoang le photography | video by chimnon studio

ODDO architects separated the house into two zones: a commercial area that occupies the lower two levels, and the private residential areas for the family above. the residential part of the building comprises continuous spaces, which have been designed to allow the family to communicate with each other more easily. the shared spaces, such as the living room, library, dining room, and kitchen are positioned on different levels with varying ceiling heights. a quiet area, containing the bedrooms for the grandparents and the parents, is located at the core of the house. carefully positioned voids ensure that light reaches the lower levels of the home.

in addition, trees and plants have been positioned throughout the house to help create a peaceful living environment and an important connection with nature. the skinny façade is made from two layers: perforated cement blocks on the exterior and an interior frame made of steel and glass. an additional layer of greenery provides protection from dust and the hot sun. elsewhere on the façade, a tall window provides increased daylight and improves the home’s overall appearance when seen from the street.