Gia Dinh House by G+architects: Innovative Co-Living in Ho Chi Minh City

Gia Dinh House, designed by G+architects, stands as a landmark example of modern urban living in Ho Chi Minh City. Situated in a historically significant residential area, once the heart of Gia Dinh Province, this contemporary home sits on a unique chamfered plot that aligns with the street axis, creating a visually striking frontage and a dynamic interaction with the neighborhood.

Context and Site

The project occupies a long-established urban setting in Gia Dinh Ward, blending historical context with modern design strategies. The site posed challenges due to its irregular shape, which G+architects transformed into an opportunity to create a flexible and engaging living environment.

Program and Client Needs

Gia Dinh House addresses a multi-functional lifestyle by combining:

• An independent family residence
• Rental apartments for income generation
• Flexible spaces suitable for shared offices or a café

The design embodies a compact co-living model, fostering a sense of community among residents while maintaining privacy and comfort. The integration of shared workspaces and common areas encourages interaction, collaboration, and social engagement.

Design Strategies and Spatial Qualities

The architecture of Gia Dinh House emphasizes openness, flexibility, and connectivity:

• Ground and mezzanine levels: Minimal partitions create a seamless flow from the alley into the house.
• Transparency: Steel mesh gates and doors blur the boundary between interior and exterior, enhancing visual connectivity.
• Communal void: A central void acts as a transitional space, encouraging resident interaction and functioning as a flexible gathering area.

The elevator core is a sculptural centerpiece, appearing to float within the void while also providing structural support. Walls extending from the elevator shaft form triangular niches, creatively utilized for loggias, toilets, vertical gardens, or planted corners.

At the rear, a vertical garden facing west provides shading and works alongside louvered panels to facilitate natural cross-ventilation. Floor lobbies double as semi-public spaces, enhancing airflow, visual openness, and functional flexibility for activities such as reading, receiving guests, or enjoying the in-between garden spaces.

Materials and Interior Design

Gia Dinh House harmonizes natural materials and contemporary design:

• Wood and glass elements: Warmth, transparency, and texture define living and dining spaces.
• Concrete and steel: Provide structural robustness and modern aesthetics.
• Lighting and furniture: Thoughtfully curated to complement materiality and spatial dynamics.

Concept and Experience

This residence demonstrates an innovative approach to urban co-living, balancing functionality, flexibility, and aesthetics. It transforms a skewed, irregular site into a vibrant home where residents can live, share, and connect. Gia Dinh House exemplifies modern Vietnamese residential design, showcasing how architectural strategies can enhance community living while respecting site context.

All photographs are works of Quang Dam