MJ house | MAD.e studio

MJ house – a mini house in a small village in Vietnam

The trend of minimalism is gaining more popularity all around the world, and Vietnam is not an exception.

With limited land and booming population, residential area is being narrowed. Therefore, these days, our living spaces are being streamlined in colors and shapes.

Regarding landscape connection:

MJ house is built in the countryside, where the surrounding houses are almost small and old. With white paint, we create a soft contrast between the old and the new. The house’s volume is divided into small compartments, the outer appearance shows resemblances to its surrounding area; thereby, we create a harmony, an alternation of modernity and ancient look.

Regarding functionality:

This family is a typical nuclear family in Vietnam, 3 generations sharing a home: grandmother, parents and 2 daughters.

MJ house has 3 bedrooms. In general, the rooms resemble one another, but depending on its users, there are more suitable and exciting arrangements. Grandmother’s bedroom is built on the first floor to be convenient for the elderly’s uses. Parents’ master bedroom has a simple design, with white and wood as basic tone, offering an organized and mature feeling. Daughters’ bedroom is more vibrant with an alternation of green - pink - white, yet this doesn’t affect the apartment’s refined design. A special feature in Vietnamese culture is on holiday occasions and Tết, family members and relatives usually gather to celebrate. Therefore, the living room - dining - kitchen area is extended to be more convenient to use; when entertaining guests, only with spreading a few mats, this area can accommodate over 20 people.

Regarding colors:

It is commonly agreed that white – black – grey is a color combination which can make space more compacted and extended, yet are there other sets of colors for a mini house.

MJ house is our new exciting experiment with colors in space.

At first, we start with mint green as a foundation for the space. It is then alternated with pastel pink to create more vibrant and lively vibes. These are two contrasting colors, yet softened; therefore, it is well-blended and light.

After that, we use a warm oakwood color to add certain depth and cosiness to the space.

Finally, everything is placed on a white background for a clean, organized and neat feeling.

Finally, with MAD.e studio, we respect old values and reasonably put them in a more modern context.

Design company: MAD.e STUDIO

Architects: Nguyen Ha Hoai Ly, Doan Trung Kien

Year: 2022

Area: 60 m2/ floor x 2 floors

Location: Phu Ly, Ha Nam, Vietnam

Photographer: Cao Xuan Hoa