Nestled in the heart of Bat Trang, a historic Vietnamese pottery village near Hanoi, the Bat Trang House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of cultural heritage with contemporary design. Designed by VTN Architects, led by Vo Trong Nghia, this 740 m² residence was completed in 2020 and serves both as a home for a seven-member family and a space for selling traditional ceramics.
Project Brief
The primary objective was to create a multifunctional dwelling that caters to the family's residential needs while also accommodating a ceramic shop. Given the owner's background as a ceramic specialist, the design naturally gravitated towards incorporating local materials and traditional craftsmanship.
Architectural Design and Materials
The house's most striking feature is its perforated ceramic façade, crafted from custom-made bricks produced by local artisans. These bricks form a rhythmic pattern of openings and closures, allowing for natural ventilation and light filtration. Behind this ceramic screen lies a layer of greenery, creating a buffer that enhances thermal comfort and provides a visual connection to nature.
Internally, the design adopts a minimalist approach, utilizing large glass panels that open up to the surrounding green spaces. This design ensures that despite the tropical climate, the interiors remain cool without relying on artificial air conditioning. The combination of the ceramic façade, vegetation, and strategic openings facilitates effective cross-ventilation and solar gain control.
Sustainable Features
Sustainability is at the core of Bat Trang House's design. The use of locally sourced materials reduces the building's carbon footprint, while the incorporation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further enhances its environmental performance. The three-layer ventilation system—comprising the ceramic façade, green spaces, and interior layout—eliminates the need for mechanical cooling, showcasing a commitment to passive design strategies.
Design Journey
VTN Architects approached the project with a deep respect for the site's cultural context. By collaborating closely with local craftsmen and drawing inspiration from traditional Bat Trang pottery techniques, the design team created a structure that resonates with its surroundings. The house not only reflects the aesthetic qualities of the village but also addresses contemporary living needs through its functional and sustainable design.
Bat Trang House exemplifies how architecture can honour cultural heritage while embracing modernity and sustainability. Through thoughtful material selection, innovative design, and a deep understanding of context, VTN Architects have crafted a residence that serves as both a family home and a cultural landmark in Bat Trang village.
Vo Trong Nghia Architects is an architecture studio based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Architecture: Vo Trong Nghia Architects
Principal architect: Vo Trong Nghia
Design team: Ngo Thuy Duong, Nguyen Van An, Do Huu Tam, Pham Phuong