DRIM House in Pleiku by ADAP Architects: A Contemporary Longhouse Rooted in Vietnamese Tradition

Located in the heart of Pleiku, DRIM House is a 300-square-meter multigenerational residence designed in 2022 by ADAP Architects. Conceived as a modern reinterpretation of Vietnam’s vernacular longhouse typology, the project delicately balances contemporary living standards with deeply rooted cultural identity.

Set within a rapidly urbanizing city, where traditional architecture is increasingly disappearing, DRIM House stands as a thoughtful response to the erosion of local character. Pleiku, known for its diverse ethnic communities in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, once featured elevated longhouses with steep roofs designed for climatic adaptability and communal living. While many of these structures have faded, their spatial logic and environmental intelligence remain relevant. DRIM House reactivates these principles within a contemporary residential framework.

A Multigenerational House Inspired by the Longhouse Typology

Designed for three generations, the residence reflects both regional influences and the homeowner’s Northern Vietnamese heritage. The client, born and raised in Northern Vietnam, sought a home that preserved traditional values—from ancestral worship spaces to the organization of domestic life—while embracing modern architectural comfort.

Rather than demolish the existing 80-square-meter structure on site, the architects chose an adaptive reuse strategy. The original house was preserved and renovated, forming the spiritual and historical core of the residence. A new volume was introduced to accommodate expanded living requirements, and both structures are seamlessly connected by a transitional veranda.

This configuration subtly echoes the elongated spatial sequence of traditional longhouses, where private and communal zones unfold along a linear axis. The old section accommodates the ancestral worship room, a traditional reception space, and the parents’ bedroom. The newly constructed wing houses shared living areas and bedrooms for children and grandchildren, ensuring privacy while maintaining intergenerational connectivity.

Climate-Responsive Design and Spatial Fluidity

One of the defining features of DRIM House is its strong response to the tropical highland climate. The design integrates gardens, courtyards, and skylights throughout the plan, allowing natural ventilation and daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. This strategy reduces reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling, supporting sustainable residential architecture in Vietnam.

The ground floor is dedicated to communal activities, including the living room and kitchen, fostering interaction between family members. Sleeping quarters are elevated to the second floor, enhancing privacy while benefiting from improved airflow and views.

A generous front veranda acts as a climatic buffer, shielding the interior from direct solar heat and heavy rainfall. Beyond environmental performance, the veranda functions as a flexible threshold space—accommodating parking, family gatherings, and traditional ancestor worship ceremonies. In doing so, it reinforces the house’s role not merely as shelter, but as a cultural stage for rituals and collective memory.

Merging Modern Architecture with Vernacular Identity

Material selection plays a crucial role in expressing authenticity. The architects prioritized locally sourced materials to reduce construction costs and environmental impact. This approach enhances sustainability while maintaining tactile familiarity within the domestic environment.

Modern construction techniques coexist with vernacular spatial references, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present. The steep rooflines subtly recall Central Highlands longhouses, while clean detailing and contemporary finishes signal the house’s modern identity.

The result is a residence that feels both timeless and forward-looking—a sustainable house in Vietnam that respects its climatic context and cultural lineage.

Architecture as Memory and Continuity

More than a physical structure, DRIM House embodies the continuity of family heritage. Its spatial organization reflects generational hierarchy while promoting openness and daily interaction. The interplay of house, garden, light, and people forms a cinematic narrative—one where everyday life becomes part of a living memory.

In a city undergoing rapid transformation, DRIM House demonstrates how contemporary Vietnamese residential architecture can evolve without losing its roots. By integrating adaptive reuse, passive design strategies, vernacular inspiration, and multigenerational functionality, ADAP Architects delivers a project that is environmentally conscious, culturally grounded, and architecturally refined.

All photographs are works of  Quang Trần