Architects: CTA | Creative Architects
Area: 208 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Signify, Bạch Mã, Dong Nai, INAX, Panasonic, Trimble, Viet Nhat Glass, Xingfa
Construction: Viet Tin Phuc Company Limited
Architect in Charge: Bui The Long
Client: Hong Anh
City: Bien Hoa
Country: Vietnam

Wall House, a residential project by CTA | Creative Architects in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, completed in 2018, introduces a passive ventilation system that enhances indoor air quality and natural lighting. Responding to concerns that indoor air pollution often exceeds outdoor levels, the design incorporates a dual-layer system: a perforated brick façade that facilitates continuous airflow and a garden buffer that mitigates environmental impact. These elements work together to ensure a self-sustaining, breathable living environment while maintaining privacy and structural protection.

Everything around us can be a source of inspiration for our design process: from nature, culture, and history to people. Specifically, addressing issues related to living spaces in society and creating harmonious environments where humans and nature coexist constantly drives our creativity.
Interview with Bui The Long of CTA | Creative Architects

Scientific research indicates that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor conditions, raising concerns about ventilation and health in residential spaces. Addressing this issue, CTA or Creative Architects collaborated with the homeowner to design a house that passively “breathes” throughout the day, ensuring continuous airflow and natural light while protecting it from external environmental factors.

The open wall system serves as the first layer of defense, constructed with hollow bricks arranged in an unconventional pattern—opposite to standard masonry techniques. This arrangement enhances passive ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate freely while enabling daylight to penetrate deep into the interior. This approach promotes a healthier indoor atmosphere by reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Complementing the façade, a garden buffer forms the second protective layer, acting as a natural filter against pollutants and external heat. Together, these two layers are an alternative to conventional solid walls, ensuring ventilation and light distribution without compromising privacy or structural integrity.

Wall House exemplifies an innovative approach to residential design, where architectural elements integrate passive strategies to create a sustainable, breathable living environment.