Vo Trong Nghia Architects has covered the roof and facade of Breathing House in Ho Chi Minh City with a canopy of climbing plants to create private outdoor spaces.
Breathing House occupies a narrow and deep lot within a densely populated neighbourhood that is accessible only via a narrow alleyway.

Due to the restricted site, the only surfaces that could be opened up were the front, back and top of the building. Each of these surfaces then required what Vo Trong Nghia Architects described as "a green veil" consisting of creeper plants growing on a steel mesh to protect the interior.
The plant curtain ensures the external space and openings to the outdoors are private areas for the occupants to enjoy.

"This soft layer, as an environmental diffuser, filters direct sunlight and prevents the interior space from overexposure to the outside, without the feeling of isolation," Vo Trong Nghia Architects explained. In addition to preventing overlooking, the curtain of plants provides a view of greenery that is visible from every part of the house.

Planters at the edge of each floor slab combine with galvanised-steel modules to create an outer facade beyond the sliding doors or windows lining the living spaces.

The house has a staggered plan that creates small external spaces described by the architects as "micro voids". These openings allow natural light and ventilation to reach the open spaces on each level.

"In the narrow and deep plot shut...