Low Cost Housing in Vietnam from Vo Trong Nghia Architects

By reducing the functions of the house and using few and cheap materials, Vietnamese studio Vo Trong Nghia Architects has developed a prototype house that can be built for just $3,200 (in US dollars).

The prototype would use cheaply available local materials and an easyto-assemble structure, with corrugated polycarbonate wrapped around a bamboo-lined interior.

Above the house, a polycarbonate roof is raised to keep rain out while still circulating fresh air.

Together with the easy-to-erect steel frame, bamboo poles are simply laid across the top to form a roof.

No machines are needed for their construction.

The bamboo roof poles double as clothes line and closet.

In designing better housing for the poor in Vietnam, the architects make use of multiple uses for the single space.

One example is these sleeping platforms.

They fold out from the wall, but can be flipped back up, with the bedding looped over them, during the day.

Or, the fold-down sleeping platforms can also be set up as seating benches.

The simple bamboo-pole roof means that daylight is diffused and mostly overhead – the best lighting for most tasks.

The floors are easy wash concrete. The translucent envelope and bamboo louvers filter harsh direct sunshine in the tropical climate.

The concrete tables have electric outlets for lights and laptops.

Separate outdoor kichen and bathroom are in communally shared facilities.

As well as the open roof, operable windows allow cross breezes, or keep warmth in as needed.

There is a spartan elegance to this prototype pair of buildings, an office and a living space, with their concrete floors and tables, and traditional bamboo walls.