Concept

The AM House: Where Nature, Design, and Mindfulness Converge

May 17, 2024
|
By 
Albert Aycardo

The AM House is a garden retreat that offers its users  refuge within the rural landscape of Can Giuoc, Vietnam. It employs a fragmented layout of separate blocks unified underneath the home’s unifying roof. This affords the home a dynamic range of openings and spatial compositions tied together by three young architects, each having their own respective firms;  AmDesign Architects + Time Architects + CTA.

Blending into the Landscape

Taking advantage of its lush surroundings, the AM House is positioned to effortlessly integrate with the natural landscape. The fragmented design of the living spaces creates an enchanting interplay between the indoors and outdoors. 

Amongst these distinct volumes of organic randomness lies an open-air courtyard at the heart of the home. This central space acts as a nexus that interconnects the rest of the spaces. Its placement brings in natural light into the interiors and fills them with the crisp provincial air. An extensive amount of glazing and glass doors seamlessly transitions each space while also opening them up to the outside. 

The encapsulating thatch roof is a nod to the vernacular architecture of Soutwest Vietnam. Underneath,  sheet steel roofing provides weather protection and insulation. Wrapping around the house is a reflection pool that visually extends the home while also cooling it. The use of raw, tactile, and natural materials imbues the design with an earthy aesthetic. The elevated floor plan and massing  creates an impression of lightweight and nimbleness. 

Elegance through Simplicity

The AM House embraces a minimalist approach to achieve a tranquil and serene indoor environment. Furniture is kept simple, with a neutral palette that compliments the use of natural materials. Board-formed concrete walls add a rich texture, while wood ceilings and built-ins evoke a sense of warmth. Its simple stylings and restrained motifs elegantly place nature center stage. 

Am house
Am house

A free-flowing design approach allows spaces to merge and interact seamlessly. It embodies openness and fluidity that invites one to live in a more present state. Movable wooden slat screens allow control over the amount of light and visibility.

The dynamic ceiling is formed by a mix of elevation heights intertwined with a slew of clerestory windows. This permeable layout fosters a sense of unity and harmony while also allowing air and light to easily circulate. 

A Natural Retreat

In response to the tropical climate, a combination of sustainable strategies minimizes the energy consumption of the home, especially for cooling. The surrounding water and three-layer roof naturally keeps the home cool and strengthens thermal regulation inside. Furthermore, the home’s layout encourages a continuous movement of air by virtue of cross-ventilation. Its sparse material palette also contributes to its sustainability factor as it reduces logistical consumption. 

As it stands, the AM House is a remarkable abode that brings together vernacular tropes and contemporary stylings. It excels as a weekend retreat that gives its inhabitants the opportunity to enjoy a moment of peace, away from the busyness of citylife. 

Read more: Sustainable Weekend Villa: An Eco-Friendly Refuge in Vietnam

Photo credit: Hiroyuki Oki

Overall shot of the interiors of Taupe restaurant.

Taupe: A Canvas for Food, Art, and Experience 

Taupe, a grayish-brown hue, goes with almost anything. It is this characteristic that prompted Francis Tolentino, Executive Chef of Taupe in Bonifacio Global City, to name his restaurant after this neutral. It is also his favorite color, and for him, donning the restaurant interiors in monochromatic tones allows the food to shine.  Tolentino worked with […]

An exhibit about the PIID for Interior + Design Manila 2025.

Interior + Design Manila 2025 Showcases New Innovations from Filipino Retailers

Interior + Design Manila 2025 opened at the SMX Convention Center from March 6 to 8. The showcase of the local design industry by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) hoped to go beyond just exceptional design—but to make the case for the future of interior design in the country as well.  This trade […]

Curator Soler Santos analyzing a painting by Patrick de Veyra for "Storm in a Teacup."

‘Storm in a Teacup’ Explores Abstraction in Printed Images

Artist Patrick de Veyra has always been obsessed with the idea of images and appropriation. As recently as last year, he curated two exhibits for Faculty Projects which tackle the idea of how we deal and define the images we use today. Storm in a Teacup, his most recent exhibition at West Gallery, circles around […]

Smart Home Philippines Wins Best Interior Design in Asia Pacific.

Smart Home Philippines Wins Best Interior Design in London, United Kingdom

Smart Home Philippines continues to solidify its position as a leader in smart home innovation, receiving the prestigious Best Interior Design Smart Home in Asia Pacific award at the IPAX Global Property Awards 2024-2025. Held at the Savoy Hotel in London, this recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology with modern, functional […]

Fort Santiago, newly-cleaned with Kärcher products and personnel.

Kärcher Sponsors Fort Santiago Clean-up for Heritage Preservation

Kärcher, the German multinational company known for their cleaning machines, debuted the newest part of their 2025 Cultural Initiative as they partnered with the Intramuros Administration to clean up the walls of Fort Santiago.  A “restorative cleaning effort” done to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary, Kärcher’s team focused on cleaning up the wall facade and […]

"The Infinite Dot" exhibit at Primex Printers.

‘The Infinite Dot’ Celebrates 45 Years of Primex Printers with New Exhibit

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Primex Printers, Chief Marketing Officer Mariel Ching and Creative Director Gio Prado put together The Infinite Dot. The exhibit functions as a showcase of the capabilities of modern-day fine art printing, giving audiences a taste of the flexibility of the form to different ideas.   The exhibit’s name comes from […]

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]