NOOK Magazine

NOOK Magazine NOOK Magazine, Independent Design Media for Southeast Asia | Curating Interior, Architecture & Lifestyle Projects Across the Region
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๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—›๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜€๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฏ๐˜† ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ค๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—›๐˜‚๐—ฒLocated in the historic city of Hue, Vietnam, this thoughtfully de...
02/06/2026

๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—›๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜€๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—ฏ๐˜† ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ค๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—›๐˜‚๐—ฒ

Located in the historic city of Hue, Vietnam, this thoughtfully designed residence by BHA demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respond gracefully to local culture, climate and everyday family life. Spanning 277 square metres, the home balances modern functionality with a sense of calm that reflects the character of its surroundings.
The design embraces openness and natural light, creating interiors that feel bright, airy and deeply connected to the outdoors. Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation, the architecture focuses on proportion, materiality and spatial continuity, allowing the quality of the spaces themselves to define the experience.
Living areas flow effortlessly into one another, fostering interaction while maintaining a sense of privacy where required. Large openings frame views of gardens and courtyards, inviting natural ventilation and soft daylight into the heart of the home. This careful relationship between interior and exterior spaces contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living environment throughout the year.
The material palette is deliberately restrained, combining natural textures with clean architectural lines. Warm finishes soften the contemporary aesthetic, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Every detail has been considered to promote tranquillity and ease of living.
What makes the residence particularly compelling is its ability to balance modern aspirations with regional sensibilities. It neither imitates tradition nor ignores it. Instead, the project offers a refined architectural response that respects its context while embracing contemporary lifestyles.
The result is a home of quiet elegance โ€” one that demonstrates how thoughtful design can enrich everyday life through simplicity, comfort and a meaningful connection to place.
Credit Line
Project: Private Residence
Location: Hue, Vietnam
Architect: BHA
Area: 277 mยฒ
Year: 2020
Photography: Hoang Le

NOOK Magazine

๐—–๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฎ ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐— ๐—ฎ โ€” ๐—” ๐—ค๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜€๐—บSituated in the leafy suburb of Bรฉccar, Buenos Aires, Casa RoMa...
02/06/2026

๐—–๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฎ ๐—ฅ๐—ผ๐— ๐—ฎ โ€” ๐—” ๐—ค๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜ ๐—˜๐˜…๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ผ๐—ณ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐— ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜€๐—บ

Situated in the leafy suburb of Bรฉccar, Buenos Aires, Casa RoMa presents a thoughtful interpretation of contemporary living, where restraint, simplicity and a close relationship with nature define the architectural experience. Designed by a collaborative team of architects, the residence demonstrates how minimalist design can feel warm, welcoming and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Rather than relying on grand gestures or visual spectacle, the house embraces a philosophy of understated elegance. Its architectural language is calm and composed, allowing the surrounding landscape to become an integral part of daily life. Carefully considered transitional spaces blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors, enabling natural light, fresh air and greenery to flow effortlessly throughout the home.
The interior reflects a disciplined approach to spatial organisation. Storage elements are discreetly integrated into the architecture, preserving visual clarity and creating an atmosphere of order and tranquillity. This deliberate simplicity allows the quality of space, light and materiality to take centre stage.
A refined palette of materials further enriches the experience. Textured concrete surfaces, industrial-inspired finishes and subtle natural tones establish a sophisticated balance between robustness and warmth. The result is an environment that feels both contemporary and timeless, offering comfort without excess.
What distinguishes Casa RoMa is its ability to transform minimalism into something profoundly human. Rather than appearing austere, the residence encourages a slower pace of living, inviting occupants to reconnect with nature, appreciate everyday rituals and find beauty in simplicity.
In an era often defined by constant stimulation and excess, Casa RoMa stands as a reminder that exceptional architecture need not be loud. Its elegance lies in its restraint, creating a home where calmness, clarity and connection become the true luxuries of modern life.

Credit Line
Project: Casa RoMa
Location: Bรฉccar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Architects: Ignacio Bรณscolo, Pedro Ignacio Yรกรฑez, Norberto Nenninger & Paola Salaberri
Lead Architects: Ignacio Bรณscolo, Pedro Ignacio Yรกรฑez, Norberto Nenninger & Paola Salaberri
Manufacturers: Carpeal, Ilva, Quadri, Silla

๐—ข๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ถ ๐—ฉ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐—ฎ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ก๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜…๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜Set within the cultural landscape of Ubud, Oberoi Vi...
01/06/2026

๐—ข๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ถ ๐—ฉ๐—ถ๐—น๐—น๐—ฎ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ก๐—ฎ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ฒ๐˜…๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜

Set within the cultural landscape of Ubud, Oberoi Villa by Arkana Architects is a refined expression of tropical luxury living, where architecture, landscape and lifestyle are seamlessly interwoven. Encompassing 450 square metres on a 1,005 square metre site, the residence is conceived as both a private sanctuary and a social retreat, balancing intimacy with openness in a distinctly Balinese setting.
The spatial organisation of the villa is carefully divided into two distinct realms. The front portion of the site functions as a recreational zone, complete with amenities such as a badminton court and table tennis area, establishing a lively and welcoming atmosphere for guests. As one moves deeper into the site, the spatial narrative gradually shifts towards more private and contemplative living environments, including a separate guest house and the main residence.
The guest house is designed as a single-storey pavilion with its own private pool, offering autonomy and tranquillity for visitors. In contrast, the main residence is developed as a two-storey structure positioned in response to the natural contours of the land. This sensitive placement not only enhances views but also reinforces the hierarchy of privacy across the site.
A defining architectural gesture is the deliberate off-axis configuration of the buildings, ensuring that each functional zone maintains independence without visual or spatial interference. This arrangement strengthens the sense of separation while preserving a cohesive overall composition.
The architectural expression further reinforces privacy through the use of a gable roof form, subtly asymmetrical in nature. This design choice not only distinguishes the villa from conventional typologies but also functions as a protective envelope, shielding internal activities from surrounding properties.
At its core, Oberoi Villa is guided by the principle of living in close harmony with nature. The design dissolves conventional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, replacing solid partitions with open, breathable configurations. With the exception of the childrenโ€™s bedroom, most spaces remain open to natural light and airflow, allowing the tropical environment to permeate daily life.
Material selection plays a crucial role in shaping the villaโ€™s identity. Locally sourced brick and timber are left in their natural, unrefined state, reinforcing a sense of authenticity and grounding the architecture within its cultural and environmental context.
Internally, spatial continuity is prioritised throughout the main residence. Open-plan arrangements on the ground floor allow fluid movement between kitchen, living and sleeping areas, while the mezzanine master suite introduces vertical layering without disrupting openness. The absence of rigid partitions encourages interaction, enhances ventilation and amplifies the feelig of spatial generosity.
Ultimately, Oberoi Villa presents a contemporary interpretation of tropical living in Bali โ€” one that embraces openness, respects privacy, and celebrates the timeless dialogue between architecture and nature.

Credit Line
Project: Oberoi Villa
Location: Ubud
Architect: Arkana Architects
Lead Architect: Gathi Subekti
Photography: Indra Wiras

๐—” ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—” ๐—–๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ผ โ€” ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฉ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜‚๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ดNestled beside a quiet country ...
31/05/2026

๐—” ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต ๐—” ๐—–๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ผ โ€” ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฉ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜‚๐—น๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด

Nestled beside a quiet country lane and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and expansive rice fields, this residence presents a thoughtful interpretation of modern rural living. Conceived as both a family home and a creative studio, the project offers a peaceful sanctuary where architecture, landscape and daily life coexist in remarkable harmony.
Responding sensitively to the sloping terrain and distinctive highland climate, the house adopts the form of a two-storey stilted dwelling, drawing inspiration from traditional regional architecture. Rather than imposing itself upon the landscape, the design embraces a philosophy of mutual growth between people, place and architecture, creating a living environment that evolves naturally over time.
A defining characteristic of the project is its careful balance between heritage and modernity. Reclaimed timber structures form the architectural backbone of the residence, complemented by locally sourced materials, including traditional Lanna roof tiles. These elements are thoughtfully paired with contemporary interiors, producing spaces that feel both timeless and relevant.
The material palette contributes significantly to the home's atmosphere. Warm timber textures, handcrafted details and natural finishes establish a sense of authenticity and comfort, while modern furnishings introduce refinement and functionality. The result is a residence that feels rooted in its cultural context without appearing nostalgic or overly traditional.
Equally important is the relationship between the interior and exterior environments. Living spaces, dining areas and communal zones are connected through generous verandas and landscaped gardens, encouraging movement, interaction and a continual engagement with nature. These transitional spaces become extensions of daily life, strengthening family connections while fostering a slower and more mindful way of living.
More than simply a house, the project serves as a reflection on contemporary rural architecture โ€” demonstrating how traditional wisdom, sustainable thinking and modern lifestyles can coexist within a single, coherent design vision. It is a place where creativity flourishes, family bonds deepen and the rhythms of nature remain ever present.

Credit Line
Project: Rural House & Studio
Design Studio: Sher Maker
Photography: Rungkit Charoenwat

NOOK Magazine

๐—” ๐—ง๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ถ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—˜๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒSet within the lush landscape of Thailand, this 400-...
30/05/2026

๐—” ๐—ง๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ถ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—ช๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜๐˜€ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—˜๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ

Set within the lush landscape of Thailand, this 400-square-metre residence by architect Phongphat Ueasangkhomset exemplifies a refined approach to tropical living. Completed in 2013, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can create a harmonious relationship between contemporary comfort and the natural environment.
The house is characterised by its restrained architectural language, where clean forms and carefully considered proportions establish a sense of calm and permanence. Rather than relying on dramatic gestures, the design celebrates spatial clarity, natural light and a seamless dialogue between indoor and outdoor living.
Large openings invite daylight deep into the interior while encouraging cross-ventilation, a fundamental principle of tropical architecture. The result is a residence that feels light, airy and intimately connected to its surroundings throughout the day.
Materiality plays an equally important role in shaping the atmosphere of the home. Natural textures and understated finishes contribute to an environment that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Every element appears carefully curated to support a lifestyle centred on comfort, tranquillity and a close relationship with nature.
The project reflects a broader architectural philosophy increasingly valued across Southeast Asia โ€” one that prioritises climate responsiveness, spatial generosity and timeless design over fleeting trends. More than a house, it is a carefully composed retreat where architecture enhances everyday life through simplicity and balance.
More than a decade after its completion, the residence remains a compelling example of contemporary Thai architecture, proving that good design transcends fashion and continues to resonate through its honesty, functionality and enduring elegance.

Credit Line
Project: Private Residence
Location: Thailand
Area: 400 mยฒ
Year: 2013
Architect: Phongphat Ueasangkhomset
Photography: Chaovarith Poonphol

๐—œ๐—™-๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—” ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—”๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†Perched within the cool highlands of Bandung, IF-House by RUANGRONA r...
29/05/2026

๐—œ๐—™-๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—” ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—”๐—ฏ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†

Perched within the cool highlands of Bandung, IF-House by RUANGRONA reimagines contemporary family living through the atmosphere of a secluded tropical villa. Designed for a young urban family seeking respite from the pace of city life, the residence blends modern architectural clarity with the warmth and openness of resort-style living.
Rather than presenting itself as a conventional urban dwelling, the project embraces a semi-villa concept where daily routines unfold within spaces that feel calm, restorative and deeply connected to nature. The architecture is carefully shaped around the idea of dissolving boundaries between indoors and outdoors โ€” an approach that not only enhances spatial fluidity but also encourages healthier, climate-responsive living.
Natural ventilation, daylight and open spatial planning reduce the homeโ€™s dependence on artificial cooling and lighting systems, allowing the tropical environment to become an active participant in the living experience. This sensitivity to climate is particularly evident in the way the architects have responded to the siteโ€™s undulating topography, transforming the varying levels into an immersive sequence of spatial experiences.
The swimming pool and elevated pool deck emerge as defining features within the composition, offering expansive visual connections across the landscape while reinforcing the atmosphere of retreat. Despite being situated within a busy residential neighbourhood, the house maintains a strong sense of privacy through a carefully inward-oriented facade strategy that shields the interiors from surrounding activity without compromising openness or light.
Materiality plays a central role in establishing the residenceโ€™s welcoming character. Timber surfaces dominate much of the architectural palette, introducing warmth and softness that resonate beautifully with Bandungโ€™s cooler climate. Exposed concrete, crisp white walls and earthy neutral tones complement the natural textures, creating an understated yet sophisticated design language throughout both interior and exterior spaces.
The internal organisation of the residence is equally thoughtful. Spaces are divided into public, semi-private and private zones, allowing the home to function efficiently while preserving intimacy. A notable feature is the front-facing yoga studio, which acts both as a functional wellness space and as a subtle transitional layer separating communal and private domains.
What ultimately distinguishes IF-House is its emotional atmosphere. The seamless integration of architecture, landscape and lifestyle creates a home where the experience of everyday living feels remarkably similar to being on holiday โ€” relaxed, open and restorative. In this sense, the project captures the evolving aspirations of contemporary tropical living: modern yet deeply human, refined yet entirely connected to nature.

Credit Line
Project: IF-House
Location: Kecamatan Sukasari
Architect: RUANGRONA
Collaborators: Josephine Fitria, Monica Tiaradewi, Andreas Martin, Gudhome
Photography: KIE

๐—ง๐—ผฬ‚ฬ‰ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—บ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—›๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—ช๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ฆ๐—ฎฬ€๐—ถ ๐—š๐—ผฬ€๐—ปAmidst the rapidly evolving urban landscape of Ho C...
28/05/2026

๐—ง๐—ผฬ‚ฬ‰ ๐—–๐—ต๐—ถ๐—บ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ฑ๐—ผ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐—›๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป ๐—ช๐—ถ๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป ๐— ๐—ผ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ฆ๐—ฎฬ€๐—ถ ๐—š๐—ผฬ€๐—ป

Amidst the rapidly evolving urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, where architecture increasingly rises higher and turns inward, Tแป• Chim House by QBI Corp offers a remarkably different vision of city living โ€” one rooted in slowness, memory and emotional warmth. Located in District 2, the 260-square-metre residence unfolds less like a conventional urban home and more like a secluded tropical retreat hidden quietly within the city.
Inspired by the timeless elegance of Indochine architecture yet interpreted through a contemporary lens, the house embodies a lifestyle centred on calmness and human connection. Every corner appears intentionally composed to encourage pause, reflection and a closer relationship with nature.
The facade immediately establishes this atmosphere through its layered use of natural materials. Timber, clay roof tiles, climbing greenery and soft vegetation create a gentle architectural expression that feels both nostalgic and deeply tropical. Rather than functioning merely as an exterior shell, the facade acts as a transitional threshold between the intensity of urban life and the serenity within.
Freed from the spatial constraints typically associated with narrow urban tube houses, the generous proportions of the site allowed the architects to create a more open and immersive living environment. Gardens, shaded pathways and outdoor play areas are woven naturally into the architecture, becoming inseparable from daily life rather than secondary landscape elements.
At the heart of the residence lies a living room that opens entirely towards the surrounding greenery. Furnished with dark leather seating, vintage-inspired ceiling fans and carefully curated objects reminiscent of old Saigon interiors, the space evokes a cinematic nostalgia โ€” refined yet intimate, elegant yet emotionally familiar. The architecture does not merely create rooms; it creates atmosphere and memory.
Particularly distinctive are the two bedrooms designed as suspended โ€œbird nestsโ€, elevated and wrapped by natural light, greenery and privacy. Timber finishes, glass partitions, open bathrooms and white pebble textures collectively give these rooms the ambience of boutique tropical resort villas โ€” spaces designed equally for rest and contemplation.
Throughout the residence, transitions between interior and exterior spaces are handled with exceptional sensitivity. Courtyards, permeable brick walls, shaded terraces and ventilation screens allow light, air and landscape to move fluidly throughout the home, dissolving conventional boundaries between architecture and nature.
In the midst of Saigonโ€™s relentless pace, Tแป• Chim House becomes something increasingly rare โ€” not simply a place to inhabit, but a sanctuary for memory, stillness and emotional renewal. It is a house designed not only for living, but for returning quietly to oneself.

Credit Line
Project: Tแป• Chim House
Location: Ho Chi Minh City. Viatnam
Specific Location: District 2
Area: 260 mยฒ
Design Studio: QBI Corp
Photography: Quang Trแบงn

๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜‡๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—•๐˜† ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ, ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—น๐—บDesigned by Reinach Mendonรงa Arquitetos Associados, t...
28/05/2026

๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐˜† ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜‡๐—ถ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—ป ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฒ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—•๐˜† ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ, ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—ฎ๐—น๐—บ

Designed by Reinach Mendonรงa Arquitetos Associados, this elegant contemporary residence in Brazil reflects a refined architectural language centred on openness, proportion and environmental harmony. Completed in 2019, the 635-square-metre house demonstrates how contemporary Brazilian architecture continues to prioritise fluid living, natural light and strong spatial relationships with the outdoors.
The residence is conceived as a sequence of interconnected living environments that balance privacy with generous communal interaction. Expansive internal spaces unfold with a calm sense of rhythm, allowing daylight, landscape and ventilation to become integral components of the architectural experience rather than secondary additions.
Rather than relying upon overt formal gestures, the project derives its strength through restraint and precision. Clean horizontal lines, carefully framed openings and understated material palettes create a home that feels both sophisticated and deeply liveable. Large glazed surfaces establish continuous visual connections to the surrounding environment, softening the distinction between interior and exterior space.
Natural light plays a particularly important role within the project, shaping atmosphere and movement throughout the day. The architecture embraces openness without sacrificing intimacy, creating spaces that feel simultaneously expansive and emotionally grounded.
The residence also reflects a broader sensibility within contemporary Brazilian design โ€” an understanding that luxury emerges not from excess, but from clarity, comfort and a meaningful relationship with climate and landscape. Every architectural decision appears guided by the pursuit of balance: between openness and enclosure, refinement and simplicity, monumentality and warmth.
The result is a home that feels timeless rather than trend-driven โ€” a carefully composed living environment where architecture quietly enhances the rhythms of everyday life.
Credit Line
Project: Contemporary Brazilian Residence
Location: Brazil
Area: 635 mยฒ
Year: 2019
Architect: Reinach Mendonรงa Arquitetos Associados
Lead Architect: Tadeu Ferreira
Photography: Andrรฉ Scarpa
NOOK Magazine

๐—š๐—ก ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—•๐˜† ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜† ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜Located in Kecamatan Lembang, GN House by Arkides Stud...
27/05/2026

๐—š๐—ก ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ โ€” ๐—”๐—ป ๐—œ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฆ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—•๐˜† ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜ƒ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜† ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜

Located in Kecamatan Lembang, GN House by Arkides Studio presents a compelling exploration of privacy, introspection and spatial openness within a dense residential context. At first glance, the residence appears almost entirely closed off from the outside world โ€” a bold architectural response to the homeownerโ€™s desire for seclusion and emotional calm.
The facade is composed as two stacked monolithic volumes, deliberately solid in appearance and almost entirely devoid of visible openings towards the street. Even the entrance itself remains discreetly concealed behind a perforated metal screen, reinforcing the introverted character of the house. Rather than presenting itself outwardly, the architecture turns inward, prioritising the quality of internal living over visual engagement with the urban environment.
This restrained exterior directly reflects the personality and lifestyle of the client, whose preference for privacy informed the entire architectural strategy. The internal layout gradually transitions from communal and service-oriented functions at the front towards increasingly intimate and private spaces deeper within the home. This careful sequencing creates a layered spatial experience that feels both protected and emotionally grounded.
Despite its closed external expression, the house is far from confined internally. The architecture is designed around openness, fluidity and natural connectivity. Large internal openings minimise the need for excessive partition walls, allowing spaces to flow naturally into one another while enhancing ventilation and daylight pe*******on throughout the residence.
Open areas positioned along each side of the building ensure that every level benefits from abundant natural light and cross ventilation โ€” a particularly important consideration within Indonesiaโ€™s tropical climate and densely populated urban conditions. As a result, the interiors feel unexpectedly airy, calm and expansive despite the protective nature of the outer shell.
Materiality also plays a defining role in shaping the projectโ€™s identity. Terracotta-coloured tiles typically reserved for flooring or interior finishes are reinterpreted innovatively across the exterior facade, introducing warmth, texture and a subtle connection to local craftsmanship traditions. This unconventional application gives the building a tactile quality while maintaining its minimalist architectural expression.
Particularly noteworthy is the role of local craftsmanship throughout the construction process. Even without advanced construction technologies or industrial systems, the precision and dedication of local carpenters become evident in every carefully executed detail. The project therefore becomes not only an architectural statement about privacy, but also a celebration of material honesty, regional skill and thoughtful simplicity.
Rather than seeking attention through spectacle, GN House achieves distinction through restraint โ€” offering an architecture that quietly prioritises comfort, introspection and the emotional experience of home.

Credit Line
Project: GN House
Location: Kecamatan Lembang, Indonesia
Architect: Arkides Studio
Collaborators: Gania Nanggala, BAS Spatial
Photography: Lukman Hakim

NOOK Magazine

๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป ๐—›๐—ผฬ‚ฬ€๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ก๐—ด๐˜‚ฬ›ฬฃ โ€” ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†, ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—น๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป ๐—›๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜†Located in the riverside city of Hแป“ng...
26/05/2026

๐—” ๐—–๐—ผ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜ ๐—ง๐—ฟ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป ๐—›๐—ผฬ‚ฬ€๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ก๐—ด๐˜‚ฬ›ฬฃ โ€” ๐—ฆ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐˜๐˜†, ๐—Ÿ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜ ๐—”๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—–๐—น๐—ถ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐—œ๐—ป ๐—›๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜†

Located in the riverside city of Hแป“ng Ngแปฑ, this compact residence by H.a demonstrates how thoughtful architectural planning can transform a modest footprint into a calm, breathable and deeply liveable home. Completed in 2020, the 100-square-metre project reflects a contemporary approach to tropical living where simplicity, environmental responsiveness and spatial efficiency work seamlessly together.
Despite its restrained scale, the residence feels remarkably open and generous. The design carefully balances privacy with natural light and ventilation, allowing the interior spaces to remain comfortable within the humid climate of southern Vietnam. Rather than relying on visual excess, the architecture derives its strength from proportion, material restraint and the intelligent organisation of space.
Large openings and carefully positioned voids encourage natural airflow throughout the house, while daylight filters softly into the interiors to create a tranquil atmosphere. This sensitivity to climate not only improves environmental performance but also shapes the emotional quality of the living experience itself.
The architectural language remains clean and understated, allowing materials, light and shadow to become the defining elements of the home. Contemporary finishes are combined with practical spatial solutions that support everyday domestic life while maintaining a refined visual identity.
What makes the project particularly compelling is its ability to demonstrate that meaningful architecture does not depend upon scale or extravagance. Instead, the residence focuses on the essentials of living well โ€” light, air, comfort and a strong connection between people and place.
In many ways, the project reflects the evolving direction of contemporary Vietnamese residential design: compact yet elegant, modern yet climate-conscious, and always rooted in the realities of daily life.

Credit Line
Project: Compact Tropical House
Location: Hแป“ng Ngแปฑ, Viatnam
Area: 100 mยฒ
Year: 2020
Architect: H.a
Design Team: Minh Tien Chau, Huu Trung Vuong
Photography: Quang Dam
Consultants: H.a
Manufacturers: Autodesk, Panasonic, Trimble, Malloca

NOOK Magazine

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