De Men House by Country House. Architecture – A Peaceful Family Retreat in Phan Thiết

A House Born from Childhood Dreams

The De Men House (also known as The Cricket’s House) is more than just an architectural project—it is a deeply personal journey of imagination, memory, and family. Designed by Ngô Lê Nguyễn of Country House. Architecture, the home reflects his lifelong dream of building a place inspired by childhood adventures in fields, bamboo groves, and riversides.

Since boyhood, the architect envisioned his dream home as everything from a bird’s nest in the trees to a thatched hut by the stream. These daydreams evolved into the reality of De Men House—a home that is simple, sustainable, and full of soul.

Inspiration Behind the Name

The name “De Men” (Cricket) comes from the beloved Vietnamese classic The Adventures of a Cricket by writer Tô Hoài. Inspired by the book, the architect named his son “Cricket,” wishing him a life of independence, resilience, and adventure.

The house, therefore, is a gift to his family—a space of freedom, play, and connection with nature, where his son can grow, dream, and explore.

Sustainable Design and Recycled Materials

Built on a modest plot surrounded by old walls, De Men House embraces sustainability and reuse. The design integrates recycled wood, used bricks, and steel, proving that architecture does not need luxury or excessive concrete to be meaningful.

The 200 m² residence maximizes space by blending indoor and outdoor living:

• Open courtyards for gardening and play
• Flexible spaces without unnecessary partitions
• Rooftop garden where children can lie on the grass, watch the moon, and connect with the sky

This approach makes the house feel both intimate and expansive, encouraging natural ventilation and interaction between spaces.

A House for Family and Community

De Men House is not designed as a monument, but as a living story for loved ones. Every detail reflects care, gratitude, and collaboration. The architect acknowledges the craftsmen, builders, and above all, his wife and son—who were the true inspiration for creating this peaceful family retreat in Vietnam.

It is a place where simplicity becomes beauty, where memories are built in brick and wood, and where architecture becomes a language of love.

All the photographs are works of Quang Dam