Located in Mao Khe Town, Vietnam, CUBE (Creative Usage of Bricks & Earth) by H&P Architects explores how brick, earth, courtyards, and gardens can shape climate-responsive living. Built on a 115.5 m² plot surrounded by agricultural fields, the house combines traditional Vietnamese elements with a modern modular design adapted to tropical conditions.
Creative Usage of Bricks & Earth
The project takes its name from both its cubic form and its concept, where brick and earth are treated as more than construction materials. They reflect Vietnam’s geographical conditions, local craftsmanship, and climate adaptation.
The 270 m² residence is organized through three connected elements arranged vertically — perforated brick screens, courtyards, and earth-based gardens.
Together, these elements create a flexible living environment within CUBE while maintaining openness, ventilation, and privacy within the compact urban plot.
Layered Facade for Tropical Climate
Traditional Vietnamese housing elements such as bamboo screens, courtyards, and planted spaces are reinterpreted across the three-story residence. The exterior facade of CUBE is designed in three layers consisting of a perforated brick wall, a ventilated air gap, and sliding doors.
This layered envelope helps regulate sunlight, airflow, and heat in response to the tropical monsoon climate. The front brick screen is folded into a dynamic composition resembling butterflies resting before flight, while also filtering light and air before it enters the interior spaces.
Courtyards and Gardens Across Every Level
Courtyards are integrated throughout the house to support daily activities and strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The rooftop courtyard functions as a space for drying laundry, outdoor dining, and growing vegetables and fruits in movable containers.
Flower pots placed along the verandas further soften sunlight and improve airflow entering through the brick facade.
Connected with gardens on different levels, these open spaces create a continuous relationship between nature and living areas throughout CUBE.
Photographer: Le Minh Hoang
