Up House by MAS Architects: Harmonizing Multigenerational Living with Nature in Hanoi

Architects: MAS Architects

Up House is a striking example of contemporary regional architecture, located in Soc Son, a suburban district of Hanoi. This area has experienced rapid urbanization, with industrial and residential projects significantly reducing agricultural land. Farmers have gradually lost access to traditional farmland, and during harvest seasons, produce is often dried on highways and town roads, creating traffic hazards and safety concerns. This socio-economic shift inspired MAS Architects to design a home that responds to both modern urban living and agricultural needs.

Design Vision: Multigenerational Harmony

The Up House was conceived for a multigenerational family, combining diverse professions, from office clerks and businessmen to fishermen and farmers. This mix reflects the local economic trend: younger generations move to urban jobs, while older members maintain agricultural practices.

The design balances the family’s functional needs and aesthetic desires:

• Older members: Efficient spaces for agricultural production.
• Younger members: Modern living environments.
• Owners: A harmonious connection with nature while minimizing weather impact on living spaces.

The result is a home that seamlessly merges tradition and contemporary design, fostering a holistic living experience.

Architectural Layout and Spatial Planning

Up House consists of five interconnected masses, arranged around a central courtyard. These masses are connected via corridors, ensuring fluid circulation while respecting privacy. The layout includes:

• Shared living room
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Three bedrooms
• Bathroom and storeroom

The building’s orientation is carefully planned: the property faces south to welcome cool breezes, while varying heights of the masses provide natural shading and ventilation. Higher masses cast shadows on lower ones, reducing heat exposure while maintaining airflow.

Integration with Nature

Nature is central to the Up House design. The home is surrounded by courtyard gardens and local trees, producing shade, fresh air, and edible fruits like grapefruit, starfruit, sapodilla, and dracontomelon.

The landscape incorporates multifunctional outdoor areas:

• Lawn playground for children
• Family hangout spaces
• Poultry and small animal areas for sustainable food production

The elevated first floor ensures protection from ground moisture and invasive species such as rats and snakes, enhancing comfort and safety.

Sustainable and Functional Strategies

Up House integrates several sustainable and practical solutions:

• Courtyard gardens for natural ventilation
• Sunlight management through varied roof heights
• Energy-efficient layout maximizing airflow and shading
• Water management strategies for household and agricultural use

This approach creates a resilient, adaptable home suitable for a multigenerational family in a suburban Vietnamese context.

MAS Architects’ Up House is a thoughtful blend of modern residential design, sustainable practices, and cultural sensitivity. It successfully addresses the challenges of urbanization, multigenerational living, and environmental integration, offering a home that is both functional and deeply connected to nature.

All photographs are works of HoangLe Photography