Toulon-based architecture practice HUNI Architectes has completed a family weekend retreat, nestled within the curve of Da Nang Bay, Vietnam. 

Named The Coral Villa, the house is directly shaped by the local tropical climate of the region; hot and humid, with relatively high temperatures. 

Covering a total of 375-square-metre area, the house is marked by its facade design which features a coral pattern to act as a filter for the climate and help privacy for the owners.

The façade of the villa takes inspiration from local corals, poetically abstracted into the design and construction. The coral pattern is applied to screens made using fiber concrete. 

The screens act as a sustainable filtering layer, open for wind but preventing glare from sunlight. It keeps the privacy for users, and creates a unique identity home. 

"The challenge in this project was to design a home which is environmentally open, blends in with nature, and yet still adapts to the conditions of the local climate," according to the architects. 

The architects have addressed the site specific seasonal climate conditions and sun angles. "Based on those analyses, solutions are provided for natural lighting, blocking solar glare, and allowing from sea-breezes, for ventilation," said the firm. 

"Summer: Trees are planted inside and outside the building to prevent solar heat gain." 

"Natural, local wood and stone are used for the front of the building to reduce heat absorption and establish a bold visual identity. Winter: The climate factor has been vigorously considered for the backyard design; creating a pleasant sheltered atmosphere while minimizing overhead noise from air traffic." 

The garden, situated at the backyard of the house, is sheltered from strong environmental effects such as storms and strong winds by the building itself by nature of its orientation.

The architects described the project that "the uniqueness of the project is established by the organization of form and space." 

The form of the villa is based on simple shapes, but uses the technique of defining and shifting levels to create and organize functional spaces more playfully. 

The first floor is used for common spaces, while the second level is a shared space for the family and the third level creates a private living space. 

The project is in an idyllic location, lying within open natural scenery. The architects enhance the advantages of this situation as much as possible, so that architecture becomes voice for nature.

Main spaces in the buildings are all facing the sea. The spaces are open enough to allow natural light and breezes in, though still providing the privacy needed for the family. The interior style of the villa brings a sense of modern European style and luxury in form and material. 

Greenery is applied under careful consideration throughout the building, blending in with the green Napoli marble cladding, and creating a refreshing feeling that does not lose the personality of the building.

Site plan

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Third floor plan

Roof floor plan

Axonometric drawing 

Section

Section

North elevation

South elevation

Project facts

Project name: The Coral Villa 

Architects: HUNI Architectes 

Location: Da Nang Bay, Vietnam

Size: 375m2 

Date: 2019 

All images © Princestudio 

All drawings © HUNI Architectes

> via HUNI Architectes