140THL House by 23o5Studio: A Sustainable Urban Oasis in Saigon

The 140THL House, designed by 23o5Studio, is a testament to innovative urban architecture in Vietnam. Situated in the heart of Saigon, this compact residence addresses the challenges of urban congestion, inadequate ventilation, and rising temperatures. The project is part of a larger initiative focused on sustainable and space-efficient residential designs that integrate nature into modern living spaces.

Urban Challenges and Architectural Response

Saigon’s rapid economic and demographic growth has led to increasing urban density, limiting available space for residential development. With tree density at just 2-3m² per person, the city faces significant environmental challenges, including heat buildup, poor air circulation, and high noise levels. The 140THL House was designed to mitigate these issues by prioritizing green spaces, natural ventilation, and thermal insulation.

Design Concept: Nature as a Core Element

A key feature of the house is the strategic incorporation of greenery. Trees and vegetation are seamlessly integrated into the structure, filling limited urban spaces with much-needed foliage. This not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to cooling the internal environment by reducing direct sun exposure.

The home’s foam shell exterior serves multiple purposes:

• Shading: It creates shaded areas, reducing heat gain.
• Dust and Noise Reduction: The exterior acts as a barrier against urban pollutants and noise.
• Temperature Regulation: The use of thick, multi-layered glass helps maintain thermal stability, reducing energy consumption for cooling.

Sustainable and Climate-Responsive Features

The 140THL House is designed to counteract Saigon’s rising annual temperature—which has been increasing by 1-2°C per year due to climate change. Key sustainability strategies implemented in the project include:

• Cross-ventilation to optimize wind flow throughout the house.
• Passive cooling techniques to reduce reliance on artificial air conditioning.
• Eco-friendly materials from manufacturers such as Technal, Grohe, Schneider Electric, Hafele, Jotun, SAT Lighting, and Trường Thắng.

Creating a Model for Future Urban Homes

This project serves as a scalable model for future urban housing, demonstrating how architecture can harmonize with the environment despite spatial constraints. The house fosters a serene, acoustically tranquil atmosphere, offering residents a peaceful retreat within a bustling city. The simple yet effective design principles applied in the 140THL House showcase a blueprint for sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and livable urban spaces.

All the Photographs are works of Hiroyuki Oki