DKS House by MAS Architecture Workshop: A Sustainable Urban Oasis in the Heart of Vietnam

In the bustling urban core of Vietnam, DKS House by MAS Architecture Workshop emerges as a resilient and introspective response to the environmental and social challenges of high-density city living. Designed on a 200-square-meter plot in a busy commercial zone, the residence reimagines the conventional townhouse, merging traditional Vietnamese family values with contemporary sustainable architecture.

Rethinking the Urban Townhouse

DKS House addresses several urban design issues: noise pollution, fine dust from nearby heavy traffic, and the harsh effects of the western sun. Despite these drawbacks, the client chose to remain on this site to uphold generational ties and family traditions, prompting MAS Architecture Workshop to design a home that balances private domestic life with the chaotic vibrancy of the city.

Zoning for Harmony: Elevating Living, Separating Work

To manage the competing demands of commercial activity and residential comfort, the architects implemented a vertical zoning strategy. The entire living space was elevated to the second floor, creating a sanctuary away from street-level noise and pollution. Meanwhile, the ground floor serves commercial purposes, enhancing the home’s integration with the urban economy.

A large-span structure separates the two zones and supports a two-layer concrete slab that buffers vibrations from nearby traffic. This configuration enables the creation of a natural elevated garden, which not only functions as a visual retreat but also filters air and diffuses sunlight.

Microclimate Control Through Biophilic Design

At the heart of the residence lies a green courtyard on the second floor, carefully designed to optimize sunlight, ventilation, and thermal comfort. The orientation and configuration of the architectural blocks enhance airflow and encourage passive cooling, while the courtyard fosters a balanced microclimate suitable for both people and plants.

The spatial layout promotes a gentle transition between public and private zones, guided by green buffer zones, atriums, and open voids that facilitate both horizontal and vertical movement throughout the home.

Sustainable Façade and Minimalist Material Palette

The house’s green façade, composed of dense layers of potted plants, shields the interiors from dust and direct sun, while allowing light to filter softly into the living spaces. This bio-shield acts as a second skin, simultaneously insulating and connecting the home to the outside world.

The material palette is intentionally minimalist, emphasizing raw concrete, steel, and fine interior detailing. The contrast between these materials and the greenery creates a sensory experience of depth and calm, reflecting the owner’s desire for a quiet, introspective living environment.

An Introverted Oasis Rooted in Vietnamese Traditions

DKS House stands as a model of sustainable townhouse architecture in Vietnam, blending passive design strategies, urban resilience, and cultural continuity. By inverting the traditional residential model and embedding nature within the structure, MAS Architecture Workshop has crafted a home that feels both grounded and elevated—an introverted sanctuary that offers peace in the heart of a dynamic city.