EVSDA 2025 – ‘ARCHITECTURE’ SHORTLIST – ZEN HOUSE (H.A)

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Located in Binh Thanh, where remnants of old Saigon houses remain, ZEN HOUSE was conceived for Buddhist homeowners seeking peace and serenity, a retreat from the bustling city. It is not merely a house - it is a meditation sanctuary.

The design removes visual boundaries, allowing views across the house from almost anywhere. Family members can see, listen, and reflect on each other.

Due to the narrow alley site, on-site construction posed challenges, so an assembly-based method was chosen: only the perimeter walls were built, while the rest relied on connections of wood, steel, gypsum, and cemboard.

Materials are raw and natural: exposed non-fired brick, wood treated only with oil, unpainted cemboard, untreated steel, traditional breeze blocks, and reclaimed wooden balusters for doors. Everything is presented authentically, true to its nature.

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