Highland House

  • Type: Residential
  • Location: Pleiku, Gia Lai
  • Year: 2015
  • Area: 174m2

Pleiku, a city of Gia Lai, which lies at an altitude of about 500~700 meters above sea level, is typical of hill towns with lovely weather and winding streets surrounding plateaus and wide valleys. Cultural diversity is a central feature of the local society here, which consists largely of long-standing Jarai and Bahnar people.

Apart from cultural diversity, richly varied terrains are also included as a main feature of the house. These different forms of terrains are simulated through blocks of tree arranged in layers, along with a staircase leading to the upper story. Green areas are seen throughout the house, in front and back, from above to below, go along the atriums to provide light, ventilation, and nice views which can be seen from all spots of the house. The roof comprises transparent sheets of polycarbonate above and wooden strips below, which were inspired by the T'rung, a traditional bamboo xylophone used by Jarai and Bahnar people. This combination helps to cast light effectively onto every area, as well as creating fascinating lighting effects during the daytime. There are two stairwells so that the family members can easily come toward bedrooms above. Bathrooms are adjacent and separate from bedrooms so everyone can use them freely.

The house is the epitome of Pleiku. It captures all the spirit of sunny and windy hill towns, infinite plateaus, and the liberality of people in the Central Highlands.

Client: Mr. Phan Thế Cường
Project Team: Đặng Đức Hòa, Lê Hữu Khoa,
                       Nguyễn Việt Khoa
Contractor: Hồ Tuất
Photographs: Đặng Đức Hòa, Phan Thế Cường