This duplex villa is situated on a 600-m2 land plot adjacent to the Hoi An River in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Surrounding the project site is untouched agrarian land, shaded by nipas tree, a signature fauna of the area.  Every year, this region witnesses frequent storms and floods. The climate is harsh with a long cold winter and rainy season.

The challenge of this project is to immerse the design into the beauty of the surrounding landscape and transfer the spirit of the locality into the project. The whole villa is covered with strong, durable coconut leaves, making the exterior look like a large tent if viewed from a distance. The architects restrict wall partitions in order to maximize wide angles, enabling visitors to appreciate the majestic scenery outside. Common living spaces are allotted on the ground floor, in the middle of the first floor and under the porch, while the bedroom is moved further inside to ensure privacy. By making extensive use of open spaces, the building seamlessly blends with the surrounding nature.   

To enjoy the beauty of nature though, one has to prepare for a bit of extreme weather. The dry season in Hoian runs from May through September, with temperatures commonly hitting 100°F. The rest of the year is wet, with torrential rains frequently causing floods.

Since D1 Architectural Studio was commissioned to create this duplex villa along the Hoi An River, we know that we have to place a high priority on working with the regional climate.

All living functions at M Villa are arranged vertically, for residents to relocate to the first floor with ease in times during the rainy season when water floods the area. The use of spaces is therefore very versatile: and accord a wide range of functions.

D1 Architectural Studio believes that the key to injecting “soul” into each structure lies in taking cues from the region‘s tradition. We work closely with local artisans from craft villages to blends modern elements with the local vernacular.

Through artisanal craftsmanship, the building was made alive with the homely intimacy of local materials and minimalist designs that bring upfront the charm of the materials themselves. Not only is this collaboration successful in creating a harmonic integration between nature and culture, but it also helped to preserve the traditional craft villages that had now been falling behind in the age of mass production.