X House is designed for a young family of four and is located in the southern area of Vy Da Ward, Hue City—an urban context characterized by high density and vibrant commercial activities. In response to this dynamic setting, the project seeks to create a calm, balanced living environment that allows its inhabitants to retreat from the surrounding bustle and reconnect with light, space, and nature. Rather than pursuing expressive form, X House prioritizes spatial quality, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
The design concept of X House is rooted in the relationship between “solid” and “void.” On a rectangular site, the house is organized around two symmetrical triangular volumes that overlap and shift along an X-shaped axis—an element that defines both the project’s identity and its spatial logic. This X-axis functions not only as a geometric gesture but also as a spatial organizer, guiding circulation, visual connections, and the continuity of voids from the ground floor to the upper level. Enclosed “solid” zones accommodate private functions such as bedrooms, study areas, and service spaces, while the “void” zones—living room, dining area, courtyard, gallery, and library—form open, flexible spaces for daily activities, interaction, and contemplation.
Architecturally, X House is conceived through the idea of a “house within a house.” All interior spaces are wrapped within a monolithic concrete box that acts as a protective envelope against the region’s hot, humid tropical climate and intense western solar exposure—the main orientation of the building. Carefully positioned openings and voids regulate daylight, natural ventilation, and privacy. The raw concrete surface is preserved as a “living material,” allowing light, shadow, and the passage of time to be perceptible throughout the day. Rather than relying on decorative elements, the interior atmosphere is shaped by the subtle interaction between materiality and natural light, creating a quiet and contemplative spatial experience..
The distinctive value of X House lies in its deliberate restraint. Instead of maximizing built area, the project intentionally reduces enclosed spaces to make room for meaningful voids. This strategy significantly enhances environmental comfort, providing ample daylight, effective cross-ventilation, and flexible spaces for family life, artistic activities, and reflection. The use of a monolithic concrete structure, minimal finishes, and passive design strategies helps optimize construction costs, reduce operational energy demand, and extend the building’s lifespan. X House represents a sustainable architectural approach in which reducing form and area ultimately adds value—offering a richer living experience grounded in balance, simplicity, and long-term resilience.
