This townhouse project is located in Chợ Lớn, a historically significant commercial district in Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its fusion of traditional and contemporary Saigon-style architecture.

The objective was to create a refined, modern living environment that embodies the homeowners’ sensibilities while maintaining a seamless integration with the urban context. From the outset, the design sought to establish a fluid spatial relationship between the façade and interior. Concrete slats extend beyond the street-facing elevation, visually connecting with the central skylight—a design element that serves as the spatial core, optimizing natural light, promoting passive ventilation, and establishing an open, interconnected circulation between the living spaces.

Despite its location within a dense urban fabric, the design prioritizes the creation of spatial breathing room. By introducing a centrally positioned skylight and incorporating a rear setback, the architects ensured an enhancement in natural illumination and airflow, linking the ground floor to the upper levels.

The ground floor is designed with commercial potential in mind, a typical feature in the area, while the primary living spaces are located on the first floor. These spaces are linked by the skylight and an internal green courtyard, which serves as a visual and spatial link between the living room and kitchen. The upper floors accommodate private bedrooms and a workspace, all spatially connected through the central void, facilitating interaction across levels.

The façade composition integrates extended cantilevered balconies that introduce lush greenery, while carefully calibrated concrete slats provide privacy and solar control. The material palette draws inspiration from Saigon’s modern architectural vernacular. The façade is treated with exposed aggregate concrete, the ground floor features natural stone cladding, and the upper levels are distinguished by modern interpretations of traditional patterned tiles. A terrazzo staircase, finished in soothing green tones, is complemented by iron railings, providing subtle accents.

Internally, the design evokes warmth through the use of natural wood finishes with an oiled treatment, woven rattan detailing, and a refined color palette. The interior material selection was strongly influenced by the Indochine style, yet filtered through a contemporary design lens. Every piece of bespoke furniture was meticulously conceived and crafted specifically for this residence, ensuring a tailored response to both the spatial and aesthetic needs of the homeowners. The cement tiles were custom-produced exclusively for this project, contributing a distinctive touch to the overall design narrative.

This project represents a harmonious collaboration between the homeowners and architects, culminating in a unique living space that carefully balances personal expression with a sensitive integration into the urban environment.

Principal architects: Phan Khắc Tùng, Huỳnh Anh Tuấn

Photography:Thiết Vũ, Đỗ Sỹ