The Grand House: A house of reunion
KM Architecture Office: The family house is based on the traditional three-room house structure with a contemporary approach that suitables for multi-generational families and tropical climates.
The development of large cities attracts many people to work and live there, but their spirit always remains connected to their homeland. This process has given rise to houses built by those who have returned to their hometowns after years of hard work.
We named this project Grand House, a shared home for the extended family where siblings return to be with their aging parents and connect with their roots. The spatial organization aims to harmonize openness and modernity with privacy and tradition, catering to the individual users while integrating into the overall context of the new rural area. Here, the descendants remain close and warm with their ancestors, yet can embrace a more open, outward-looking lifestyle that adapts positively to the present era.
The spatial arrangement maintains the essential activities of the Grand House: a spacious courtyard linking the inside and outside. On regular days, the central space on the ground floor serves as the host's reception area. On special occasions, the space can expand by combining with the courtyard for festivities or gatherings, like making traditional Chung cakes for the Lunar New Year.
Underneath the central staircase, a focal point of the house, where many children play without disturbing other private spaces. Going up the stairs leads to the worship space, preserving memorabilia from the old ancestral altar. On both sides are bedrooms where siblings can stay when they come back home.
The double-layer structure is a familiar yet effective technique: it fits the tropical architectural style and feels familiar to the local people. However, in this case, we used terracotta ventilated brick to maximize shading effectiveness towards the west. The colors of the terracotta harmonize with the landscape and endure the harsh weather conditions. All materials used for the house blend harmoniously with the surroundings while maintaining a modern touch.
Through a contemporary architectural language, with minimal details and simplicity, familiar spaces like the veranda, courtyard, and children's table are subtly recreated. This is what we, the designers, and the homeowners aspire to achieve. After many years away from their homeland, having experienced and learned many new things, what we truly need when we return is peace and simplicity.
