- Project: Tree House by the Lake
- Architect: H2 Architects
- Location: Vietnam
- Year: 2022
- Area: 120 m2
- Photography: Dũng Huỳnh
The Tree House by the Lake is a poetic response to memory, nature, and sustainability. Designed by H2 in Vietnam, this modest 1,291-square-foot retreat recalls the childhood leaf huts once built beneath the shade of great trees. It is a nostalgic yet forward-looking structure—crafted almost entirely from reclaimed “scrap” materials—celebrating the harmony between people, community, and the environment.
Inspiration from Childhood
The design concept emerged from a grandfather’s story of summer days spent building makeshift huts with friends under the canopy of a tree. His wish was to recreate that joy for his grandchildren, offering them a place to connect with nature, learn through play, and feel the same sense of wonder he once experienced. The Tree House by the Lake was conceived to embody that desire: a rustic, elevated dwelling nestled in a conch forest, catching breezes from the nearby lake.
Built from Reclaimed Materials
Instead of relying on concrete and steel, the architects sourced materials dismantled from old buildings—corrugated iron, steel structures, timber planks, and other “scrap” elements. By reusing materials otherwise destined for waste, the project aligns with the 3R campaign: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Every detail demonstrates that discarded components can be given new life, reducing both environmental impact and construction costs.
These reclaimed surfaces also give the house a weathered, timeless aesthetic, making it seem as though it has always belonged to its forest setting. The rustic material palette does more than charm—it underscores a commitment to sustainable living and conscious building practices.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
Raised lightly off the ground, the tree house leans against towering conch trees and sits beneath their protective shade. The open-air structure welcomes breezes from the lake, keeping interiors cool without mechanical air conditioning. Natural ventilation, combined with the building’s porous design, ensures a consistently airy environment.
The architecture fosters interaction—between people and nature, and people with one another. Sunlight filters through openings, breezes flow across interiors, and trees cast dynamic shadows throughout the day. The result is not only environmental comfort but also a strong emotional connection to the landscape.
Spaces for Play, Learning, and Community
The simple, open interiors are designed with flexibility, allowing children to run, climb, crawl, and play without restriction. It is a space that encourages curiosity and discovery, promoting both physical activity and emotional growth. For the family, it is also a place of connection—sharing stories, enjoying fresh air, and nurturing bonds across generations.
A Model for Sustainable Futures
The Tree House by the Lake is both a retreat and a statement. By giving new life to discarded materials, it demonstrates how thoughtful design can minimize waste and impact while creating deeply meaningful architecture. The project’s flexibility—its steel frame and corrugated cladding can be dismantled, moved, and reused again—ensures it will never scar its site, leaving nature as peaceful as it was found.
In its rustic beauty, the house embodies values essential for the future: sustainability, resilience, and respect for the environment. Above all, it offers a vision of architecture that inspires not only shelter but also education, connection, and love for nature.
