Quang Ngai House by 6717 Studio: A Contemporary Ode to Vietnamese Heritage

A Modern Home Rooted in Memory and Place

Located in Đức Chánh, Vietnam, Quang Ngai House by 6717 Studio is a 190-square-meter residence that blends modern architecture with deep cultural memory. Completed in 2020 and photographed by Hiroyuki Oki, the house represents a return to the tranquil, intimate living spaces of the past—reimagined for contemporary life. With Vietnam’s rapid urbanization and densely built environments, this project offers a quiet retreat and a symbolic reconnection to childhood memories and traditional values.

Rethinking Boundaries: Architecture That Connects

In contrast to the typical urban design where boundaries strictly divide private and public realms, Quang Ngai House reinterprets the boundary not as a barrier but as a connective tissue. Brick, a material deeply embedded in Vietnamese construction history, forms the courtyard walls and fences. These elements are not designed to isolate but to define intimate corners within the home—fostering privacy while remaining open to interaction with the surrounding environment.

Blurring Inside and Outside

At the heart of the home is an open courtyard that acts as both an environmental regulator and a spiritual anchor. Natural light filters through skylights and windows, shifting in intensity throughout the day and animating the home’s interiors. The courtyard extends the interior spaces, encouraging a fluid relationship between the house and nature, softening the brightness of the tropical sunlight while drawing in ventilation to moderate indoor temperatures.

A Spatial Narrative of Tradition and Modernity

The Spiritual Center

The spatial arrangement of Quang Ngai House places the family altar at the center of the ground floor—establishing a spiritual core that ties the home together. This layout honors Vietnamese traditions while ensuring convenience and accessibility, especially for elderly family members. A contemporary take on the “Bình Phong”—a carved screen and water feature commonly found in vernacular Vietnamese homes—frames the altar, balancing aesthetics and spiritual symbolism.

Layered Living Zones

The private bedroom, known as the “lower house”, is strategically located at the rear of the property, offering quietude while still connected to the shared living spaces. From here, residents enjoy direct access to the courtyard and green spaces, enhancing the sensory experience of daily life through nature.

Minimalism with Memory: Interior Design and Furnishing

The interior of Quang Ngai House is guided by minimalist principles that highlight material textures and spatial clarity. Yet, it is not a sterile minimalism. Instead, it is enriched by reused traditional furniture, such as the family’s heirloom altar and old “Phan” seating elements. These items carry sentimental value and reinforce the idea that modern living need not discard the past, but can integrate it in meaningful ways.

By keeping furniture mobile and versatile, the design encourages flexibility and adaptability, responding to changing needs of the household while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Sustainable Living in a Rural Context

Beyond its poetic architectural narrative, Quang Ngai House is inherently sustainable. The design uses local materials like brick and wood, natural ventilation through open courtyards, and daylighting to reduce the need for artificial cooling and lighting. This approach, while rooted in traditional construction techniques, aligns with contemporary ideas of environmental responsibility.

Project Details

Architects: 6717 Studio Lead Architect: Le Viet Hoi Location: Đức Chánh, Quang Ngai, Vietnam Area: 190 m² Year Completed: 2020 Photography: Hiroyuki Oki Manufacturers: Jotun, Kohler, Xinfa

All photographs are works of Hiroyuki Oki