- Project: K.house
- Architect: KCONCEPT
- Location: Vietnam, Phan Thiet
- Year: 2023
- Area: 210 m2
- Photography: Quang Dam
In the heart of Phan Thiet, Vietnam, K.house emerges as a contemporary tropical modern residence rooted deeply in family memory and tradition. Designed by KCONCEPT + KOHARCHITECTS, this garden house is not just a new build—it is a sensitive reconstruction that honors over three decades of family life while adapting to the needs of modern living.
The project carries a unique narrative: from the quicksand path that once led to the family’s old home, bordered by sugar cane and custard apple trees, to the preserved spaces that recall generations of living traditions. K.house is an architectural dialogue between past and present, crafted to serve a multi-generational household while offering a serene connection to nature.
Preserving Memories in a Modern Context
The family’s previous home stood on this site for over 30 years, filled with everyday memories and cultural traditions. The new design carefully maintains familiar elements, such as the altar room, the mother’s bedroom, and the old well, while reinterpreting the home through a tropical modern lens.
The architects’ vision was clear: preserve the soul of the old dwelling while creating a new home that embraces natural light, greenery, and contemporary comfort.
Optimized Garden Living
Central to K.house are its two expansive gardens—one at the front and one at the back of the property. These spaces anchor the home’s layout and define its character. Two long parallel corridors form the backbone of the residence, connecting the gardens and ensuring that every room has a view of greenery, fresh air, and natural light.
This design approach transforms the house into a garden sanctuary, where the sound of leaves, the smell of grass, and the tropical climate are woven into daily living.
Flexible Living for Multi-Generational Families
The house is divided vertically to serve both family activities and accommodation services. Designed with flexibility in mind, the residence can be separated into two independent spaces—each with its own kitchen, dining area, living room, and bedrooms.
This adaptability makes K.house ideal for multi-generational living, where households can enjoy shared traditions while maintaining privacy when needed.
Structure and Materials
Although the residence is a single-story house, the architects introduced a large exposed iron truss system inspired by resort architecture in Mui Ne, such as Saigon Mui Ne Resort by architect Nguyen Van Tat and Jibe Beach Club. This structural choice elevates the ceiling height, enhances ventilation, and brings a sense of openness.
Natural materials reinforce the tropical aesthetic. Thanh Hoa yellow and black tangled stone, wooden furnishings, leather details, and rattan lanterns combine to create an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity. The design blends local craftsmanship with tropical resort influences, offering both familiarity and modern elegance.
A Tropical Retreat Rooted in Memory
K.house demonstrates how architecture can preserve cultural memory while meeting modern needs. By balancing nostalgia with innovation, and gardens with flexibility, KCONCEPT + KOHARCHITECTS have created a residence that is both a family home and a tropical retreat.
This garden house is not only a physical structure but also a vessel of memory, tradition, and contemporary living—an inspiring example of tropical modern architecture in Vietnam.
