A striking vertical residential project in Hanoi, Vietnam, has emerged as a testament to international architectural collaboration. The Kam and Ly House, designed by a team comprising HGAA, Jien Jun, naïve practice, and Taewon Park, represents a thoughtful response to both personal client needs and the climatic challenges of Vietnam's capital city.
The 320-square-meter single-family residence, completed in 2025, was conceived through two distinct narratives that shaped its design philosophy. According to the architects, the project began with "a very personal story of the client couple and the very generic principles of dwelling types in Hanoi's climate." This dual approach allowed the design team to create a structure that serves both intimate family needs and broader environmental considerations.
The collaborative nature of this project stands out in the architectural community, bringing together diverse expertise from multiple practices. The lead team was headed by Il Hwan Kim from naïve practice, while the broader design team incorporated professionals from HGAA, Jien Jun, naïve practice, and Taewon Park. This international collaboration reflects the increasingly global nature of contemporary architectural practice.
Photography for the project was provided by Daisy Ziyan Zhang and Hoang Le, capturing the building's vertical proportions and architectural details. The construction was handled by Dao.C, demonstrating local expertise in executing the international design vision.
The building materials prominently feature wood and concrete, creating a dialogue between natural and industrial elements. Key manufacturers involved in the project included Artsteel and GiaLong, contributing to the overall material palette and construction quality.
The vertical orientation of the house addresses specific urban conditions common in Hanoi, where narrow lots and density concerns often drive buildings upward rather than outward. This design strategy maximizes living space while maintaining a relatively small footprint, a crucial consideration in Vietnam's rapidly developing urban landscape.
The project represents a significant achievement in residential architecture, demonstrating how international collaboration can produce locally responsive design solutions. By balancing personal client requirements with broader climatic and urban considerations, the Kam and Ly House offers insights into the future of residential design in Southeast Asian cities.
