Jinjee House: Harmonizing Family Living with Nature in Buon Ma Thuot

Located on the outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot City, Vietnam, Jinjee House by Tad.atelier exemplifies a sensitive approach to semi-urban residential design. Completed in 2024, this 160 m² home was created for a young family of four, thoughtfully responding to the site’s topography and the family’s everyday lifestyle.

Unlike typical high-density housing in the region, Jinjee House embraces a “just enough” philosophy, prioritizing essential needs, spatial balance, and a harmonious connection to the surrounding landscape. Designed by lead architects Vu Tien An, Nguyen Nhat Hao, Nguyen Doan Kim Hau, and Dang Quang Luan, the project strategically integrates architecture, nature, and daily living into a cohesive spatial experience.

Embracing the Landscape

A central principle of Jinjee House is the seamless integration of architecture with the landscape. Situated on a gently sloping 7x40-meter plot, the design preserves the natural terrain rather than flattening it, as is common in conventional construction. Slightly staggered floor levels follow the land’s slope, creating dynamic views toward the valley while minimizing ecological impact. This careful attention to topography and site context ensures the home feels organically connected to its environment.

Transitional Spaces: Blurring Inside and Outside

Jinjee House features innovative transitional spaces that redefine the boundary between interior and exterior. By employing both “inside-out” and “outside-in” design strategies, the home creates layers of experience that connect indoor living areas with outdoor landscapes. Material continuity—such as the use of natural stone, wood, and terrazzo—extends from the garden into interior spaces, enhancing the sense of fluidity. This approach produces a spatial experience akin to a slow, uninterrupted stroll through nature, giving each corner of the home a unique perspective.

Contrast in Form, Material, and Light

The house’s architectural contrast is achieved through form, materiality, and light. The flat roof is subdivided into sections that align with the slopes of neighboring buildings while offering functional rooftop gardens for family activities. Inside, the interplay of raw and refined materials—natural stone steps, wood finishes, and terrazzo surfaces—creates textural richness, complemented by carefully directed natural light. These contrasts enhance spatial depth, highlight material authenticity, and reinforce the family-centric atmosphere of the home.

A Home for Family and Environment

Jinjee House is more than a residential structure; it is a reflection of the family’s lifestyle and values. Through sensitive site adaptation, seamless indoor-outdoor connections, and thoughtful material contrasts, Tad.atelier has created a home that balances contemporary design with environmental harmony. The result is a warm, functional, and aesthetically compelling residence that celebrates family living in tune with nature.