vietnamese practice vo trong nghia architects has completed ‘binh thanh house’, a residence which responds to the region’s tropical climate through its blurred division of internal and external space. a collaborative project with sanuki + nishizawa architects, the dwelling is designed for two families, a couple in their sixties and their son’s young family. located on a busy street in a developing urban area of ho chi minh city (saigon), the site is also close to a river bank and surrounded with plenty of natural wildlife. set against this contradictory backdrop, the house has been developed to accommodate two different lifestyles: a traditional way of living which utilizes light and ventilation, and conversely, a more modern approach using technologically advanced solutions to ensure that the home remains at an ambient temperature.wrapped in patterned and punctured concrete blocks, three elevated volumes contain the home’s living quarters. glazing covers the remaining voids, opening sight lines to the property’s surroundings. terraces reaffirm the scheme’s connection with the natural environment, providing external areas where residents can enjoy outdoor living with access to fresh air, sunlight and greenery.