Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior PhotographyMaison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior PhotographyMaison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography, StairsMaison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography, Living RoomMaison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - More Images+ 27

Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
More SpecsLess Specs
Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior Photography
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Location. The Maison Vespa is a one-story single-family rowhouse built in a recently developed area on the southern edge of Da Nang, Viet Nam. Built Areas. The house is built on a 5m x 20m typical Da Nang lot and contains the following areas: 70 m2 (753 S.F.) interior, 53 m2 (570 S.F.) roof deck, and 18 m2 (195 S.F.) courtyards. It contains a living room, kitchen, one-bedroom, and one bathroom. Changing Social Conditions. Row houses are the predominant type in Vietnam. They provide for urban density while accommodating multi-generational living on small and affordable lots. Recent socio-economic changes have increased the demand for smaller houses and apartments. House – Machine.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior Photography
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

The title given to this house is a play on Le Corbusier’s Maison Citrohan of 1920, for which it shares some affinities: (1) a simple box form, (2) designed with prefabrication in mind, (3) use of local standardized construction - reinforced concrete frame with masonry infill - given the lack of local precast availability, (4) small size and efficient space use, and (5) aimed at the “affordable” market. The Maison Vespa is smaller than the Maison Citrohan and reflects the predominant use of the motorbike (vs. the car) in Vietnam.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior Photography
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Climate Response. Da Nang is hot and humid during the majority of the year and maintaining interior thermal comfort is a challenge without the use of air conditioning. Shading of openings and the house building envelope is accomplished with horizontal and vertical shading devices. Cooling breezes are able to flow horizontally around and over the central core, and vertically up the stairwell to the roof.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography, Stairs
© Nguyen Quoc Dat
Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Image 30 of 32
Section
Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography, Living Room
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Typology. The plan configuration is a hybrid of archaic (“Megaron” volume), early modern (“Domino” frame), and late modern (“Farnsworth” core). This was the result of the search for simplicity and essentialism. The house was generated less from formal design intentions and more from a straightforward response to the functional and statutory conditions. Materials. Materials are mostly left without concealing finishes. Concrete is poured in place into coated plywood forms.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior Photography, Wood, Brick
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Electrical and plumbing runs are concealed below or within slabs and within masonry cavity walls. Insulated AAC cavity walls infill the concrete frame and help mitigate heat transfer given their currently exposed condition. Tropical hardwood is used for sliding and louvered doors, furniture, and clerestory adjustable louver screens. The selection of materials was guided by a desire for a direct expression of their nature, to register the construction process, and provide durability and performance with reasonable cost.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography
© Nguyen Quoc Dat
Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Image 24 of 32
First floor plan
Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Interior Photography, Bedroom, Chair
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Poetry, and the Standard Element. The house design alludes to Le Corbusier’s notion of the “standard element” or object trouvé. The house is positioned as a tool (a means to an end, e.g., a Vespa motorbike), though not in a purely instrumental sense. Rather, it aspires to be a tool akin to a teacup used in a tea ceremony. That is, the house is proffered as a humble vessel to allow the unfolding of a ritual of the ordinary, that of a simple life.

Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "Maison Vespa / David Rockwood, Architect" 25 Apr 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/960241/maison-vespa-david-rockwood> ISSN 0719-8884

© Nguyen Quoc Dat

Vespa 摩托住宅 / David Rockwood, Architect

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.