A giant, terracotta tile roof distinguishes this home in the suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City, which K59atelier has modelled on traditional Vietnamese houses.
Occupied by three generations of the same family, Tile Roof House is designed by K59atelier to "recreate the original image" of the Vietnamese suburbs that were once dominated by tile roofs.
It offers a contemporary twist on these traditional dwellings, and borrows elements from them to help the house withstand the monsoon season and summer sun.

"The house is covered by a large roof surface. Roof material is made from terracotta, a material associated with the memory of many family generations," explained the studio.
"It has become a representative of the image of ancient's city in Vietnam."
Like a traditional Vietnamese house, Tile Roof House has a tall, open structure that is designed to create cool, airy interiors.
The roof is elevated slightly on the east side, and punctured by two balconies that facilitate cross ventilation and keep the house cool.

Meanwhile, its sharp gradient means that rain cascades down during monsoon season. It is then collected in a water tank that is hidden towards the edge of the roof, and can be used to water the garden later in the summer.
Any overflowing water is encouraged to fall over its edge to form a natural "rain screen" for children to enjoy at entrance of the home.

Inside, Tile Roof House is divided into two volumes positioned in relation ...