DD CONCEPT’S 3X10 HOUSE HAS A TINY FOOTPRINT

A four-level residence in Ho Chi Minh City that squeezes into a miniscule 3 by 10 square meters

Tucked in a dense urban environment, the aptly named 3X10 House has a teeny tiny footprint of only 3 by 10 square meters. Vietnamese architecture firm DD concept worked around the spatial constraints by vertically stacking multiple volumes. The different levels create a dynamic relationship between interior and exterior as they transition from entirely closed on the ground floor to an open rooftop terrace with varying degrees of transparency in between.

The architects explored the balance between privacy and exposure, while generating a dialogue between inside and outside through the building’s playful and varied facade. For example, the ground level is essentially opaque to outside viewers, but upon entering, visitors step into an enclosed courtyard. The small courtyard occupies the space between the entryway and the living room/kitchen, creating a subtle transition between inside and out.

In contrast, a patchwork of metal mesh covers the first and second level facade. More or less open, the mesh maintains privacy while allowing free circulation of air and creating an interplay between light and shadow throughout the day. Similar to the ground floor courtyard, a void is created between the mesh and the living space where interior meets exterior.

The very top level is an open terrace bordered in greenery, making the house lighter and airier as it rises. In addition, strategically placed internal lighting, internal voids and floating ceilings help take full advantage of the limited space.